The Malta Chess Federation held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday 5th February. The new council for the next 4 years was formed. Duncan Vella was appointed President and Noel Grima – Vice President. Jake Darmanin is the new General Secretary while Nina Thornton is Treasurer. Geoffrey Borg is FIDE Delegate while Jamie Farrugia, Ron Sammut and Robert Novak are appointed members.

 

The AGM was attended by Mr. Kevin Azzopardi – General Secretary of the MOC. In the meeting, Geoffrey Borg, the MCF’s outgoing President thanked all the councils he worked with in the past 20 years. He explained that the MCF has achieved many things and is now in good financial health. He promised to keep on working with the current council and will concentrate his efforts in international affairs of the MCF.

 

Vella explained that preparations are in place for the MCF’s 100th year anniversary which is officially on 12th August 2023. The council’s work starts immediately with the Preliminaries tournament – the first phase of the National Championship started on 6th February with 7 rounds every Mondays and Thursdays until 27th February. The next Taster tournament for secondary students is on Sunday 12th February while preparations are also in place for the Junior Championships in March.

 

Following the AGM, the Veterans vs Juniors friendly match was held with 2 games of 10+5 rapid games played.

 

VETERANS JUNIORS 1st Leg 2nd Leg
Robert Novak Jake Darmanin 1-0 1-0
Peter Sammut Briffa Jamie Farrugia 1-0 1-0
Conrad Thake Adam Buckle 1/2-1/2 1-0
Nina Thornton Isaac Grima Bongailas 0-1 0-1
David Gauci Gabriel Grech 1-0 0-1
Stephen Busuttil Naudi Hayley Thornton 1-0 1-0
Total: 8,5 3,5 4,5 – 1,5 4 – 2