Build-up to finals continues
The second phase of the National Chess Championship - the Candidates - has now reached the fifth round and the battle for the top places is in full swing. With three more rounds to go, the going is getting tough for every player and a simple half-point...
The second phase of the National Chess Championship - the Candidates - has now reached the fifth round and the battle for the top places is in full swing. With three more rounds to go, the going is getting tough for every player and a simple half-point may prove critical especially for the top seeds who are expected to qualify for the Malta Chess Finals due in October.
In round four, top seed David Cilia Vincenti, with the black pieces, beat Joe Gauci on board one.
One board two Cardona and Harry Camilleri quickly agreed to a draw and will now hope that this was not a half-point wasted when they try to book their place in the finals in the next rounds.
Results (round four): M. Cardona vs Harry Camilleri draw; J. Gauci vs D. Cilia Vincenti 0-1; P. Mizzi vs S. Farrugia draw; S. Sacco vs H. Cassar draw; M. Saliba vs F. Aguilera draw; P. Zerafa vs C. Psaila 1-0; R. Sammut vs O. Said 0-1; J. Richards vs A. Ibrahim 0-1.
Standings: 1. Cardona 3; 2. Cilia Vincenti 3; 3. Camilleri 3; 4. Gauci 2.5; 5. Farrugia 2.5; 6. Mizzi 2.5; 7. Saliba 2; 8. Zerafa 2; 9. Aguilera 2; 10. Sacco 2; 11. Cassar 2; 12. Ayman 1.5; 13. Said 1.5; 14. Sammut 1; 15. Psaila 1; 16. Richards 0.5.