Following her encouraging showing at the Olympiads last month, national team member Ariana Axiaq went on to win all her games in the Under 14 National Cham-pionship held recently at the Malta Chess Federation headquarters in Qormi.
Sixteen players took part with ages varying from seven to 14 years.
On her way to the title, Axiaq beat Carlos Gafa, Portelli brothers Timothy and Isaac, Michael Farrugia and Andrew Drago.
The Portelli duo were joint second on four points ahead of Farrugia, Drago, Martina Portelli and Julia Portelli.
This weekend, the federation is hosting the Under-20 National Championships.