The Malta Chess Federation, in collaboration with Chess Buddies and Mates and hosted at St Monica School, organised the Girls Interschools Chess Tournament 2026 on the 17th of March, following the success of last year’s inaugural edition.
The tournament saw significant growth, with participation increasing from 5 teams in 2025 to 20 teams this year. Schools taking part included Saint Monica School, Sacred Heart College, St Joan Antide Primary School, St Catherine School, Malta Visual & Performing Arts School, St Michael Foundation, and Carlo Diacono Middle and Secondary School.
Sacred Heart Primary, competing as “Daring Queens” and last year’s runners-up, delivered an outstanding performance to claim the championship title. The team secured first place with a perfect score of 10 match points and 13 game points. The winning team consisted of Elena Borg Mercieca, Kate Shephard, and Gwen Powell.
St Catherine’s Senior School, making their debut in the competition, achieved an excellent second-place finish with 8 match points and 10 game points. The team was composed of Julia Galea, Kristina Galea, and Jessica Quinn.
Sacred Heart Secondary, competing as “Team Queens” and defending champions from last year, completed the podium in third place with 8 match points and 9 game points. Team members included Nina Debono, Mia Zarb Jenkins, and Keira Emma Cilia Seychell.
An honourable mention goes to Yunlong Wang from Carlo Diacono Middle and Secondary School, who delivered a flawless individual performance, winning all her games and leading her team to a sixth-place finish.
The Malta Chess Federation extends its thanks to the organisers, arbiters, and Chess Buddies and Mates Malta for ensuring the smooth running of the event. Appreciation is also extended to Sister Veronica and the staff at St Monica School for their support in hosting the tournament.
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Players prepare for the start of a round at the Girls Interschools Chess Tournament 2026.
A round in progress at the Girls Interschools Chess Tournament 2026, which saw participation grow to 20 teams this year.
Sacred Heart Primary, winners of the Girls Interschools Chess Tournament 2026, pictured with Chess Buddies and Mates founder Paul Schembri, Cecilia Borg, and Malta Chess Federation Council Member Elena Ghitza.