Mario Psaila wins the S50+ and S65+ Championships

Mario Psaila champion of S50+ and S65+ in 2023

The seniors tournament was held for those aged 50 or over. There are two titles to be won – that of over 50 and that of over 65 – if at least 3 players of each category take part.

Mario Psaila, fresh from his recent win in the Swieqi Weekend Classic last August, manged to win the tournament outright – thus taking both titles. The tournament was held as a round robin between 8 players.

Ex-Malta Champion and 2022 Senior champion Conrad Thake led the field closely followed by Psaila.
In the S50+ category, Ayman Ibrahim, John Richards, Joseph Gatt and Ian Refalo took part.
In the S65+ category, Ron Sammut and Albert Mamo participated.

Psaila’s determination was evident as he proceeded in winning all the opening 5 rounds giving him a 1.5 point lead from his nearest competitor – Thake who remined unbeated throughout the tournament but drew 4 games in total. In the final 2 rounds, Psaila needed two draws which he duly achieved to win the tournament.

Full information here: https://chess-results.com/tnr813960.aspx?lan=1&art=1&fed=MLT

Claude Licari wins the Parallel Tournament

To complete this festival of chess tournaments, a Parallel tournament was held for those who were not eligible to compete in the other Championships. The event was held as a single round robin. The event was attended by top seed Claude Licari, Li Yixi, Leonardo Zangrilli, Isaac Grima Bongailas, Isaac Sacco, Andre Gauci, David Gauci and Ziyang Lin.

The tournament was interesting with Licari, Grima Bongailas and Zangrilli managing to remain unbeaten. Grima Bongailas and Licari both ended with 5.5 points with Licari declared the winner due to his better 3rd tie-break score after their direct encounter ended in a draw and both won 4 games.

Full information here: https://chess-results.com/tnr828250.aspx?lan=1&art=1

All prizes shall be given at the forthcoming Annual prize-giving dinner on Sunday 3rd December.