The annual Christmas Inter Schools Chess Tournament was held recently at Stella Maris College, Gżira.

The competition was played over five rounds, lasting just over three hours. It followed the Italian International Chess Festival, organised last October, for which young Maltese players were invited to participate for the first time.

The Christmas tournament also followed the more recent Junior Championships, held throughout the second week of November.

This year’s Inter Schools Chess Tournament was special in a number of ways.

To start with, the event attracted a record number of participants – 47 in all. They hailed from 11 countries, including Russia, Korea, Armenia, Serbia, Italy and China, along with local players.

Moreover, the Malta Chess Federation and Stella Maris College were honoured with the visit of a very distinguished guest – International Chess Grandmaster Gundavaa Bayarsaikhan.

The Mongolian, who is currently on a courtesy visit to Malta, presented books, trophies and medals to the winners.

This year’s honours went to the following players:

Under-16: Tiunkov Boleslav – St Edwards College.

Under-14: Filipovic Damjan – San Andrea School.

Under-12: Matteo Stagno – Imġarr Primary School.

Under-10: Luke Fleri – Pembroke Primary School.

Under-8: Marcus Loporto – St Aloysius College.

The next edition of the Inter Schools Tournament is planned for March 19.

Ron Sammut, Malta Chess Federation coach, is currently conducting chess classes at Stella Maris. For further information, send email at info@chessmalta.com.