Harry Camilleri has once again won the annual Grand Hotels Chess Tournament.

Following his success at the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, Camilleri was one of the favourites and he duly lived up to expectations.

His result of eight points out of nine games was outstanding. Aged 71, Camilleri is Malta's strongest veteran player ever.

The number one seed for this tournament was Colin Pace, who finished in second place with 7.5 points, losing only to the eventual winner.

Four players tied for third place on 6.5 points, thus sharing the cash prize. However, Duncan Vella won the third place trophy on tie break followed by the Malta junior champion Daniel Abela who clinched the fourth place medal. The other two players were Hans Peter Graf and John Richards.

With a total of 51 registered players, this year's edition was not only one of the biggest local tournaments for individuals ever held in Malta, but also featured a large number of junior players, which certainly bodes well for the future of Maltese chess. There were five junior prizes up for grabs.

Mark Cardona, although only 11 years old won the best under-18 medal. The other juniors winning a prize were Braden Borg (under-16), Ralph Agius Fernandez (under-14), Ryan Borg (under-12) and Rita Saliba (under-10). The best Mellieha resident prize was won by Joe Azzopardi.

The prizes presented to the participants were sponsored by the Mellieha local council. The prize-giving was held during the presentation dinner at the Paradise Bay Hotel.

The hotels which hosted the rounds of this event were: New Dolmen Hotel, Seabank Hotel, Qawra Palace Hotel, Topaz Hotel, Mellieha Bay Hotel, Porto Azzurro Resort, Pergola Club Hotel and Paradise Bay Hotel.