Denmark's number one chess player, grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen turned up unexpectedly at the Malta Chess Federation (MCF) chess rooms in Sliema on Sunday morning to take part in round six of the 2004 KPMG Chess Rapid Grand Prix Series.

Nielsen presented himself quietly during registration time and then surprised the organisers when they queried if, perhaps, he was rated and they heard the softly-spoken Nielsen repeat his ELO rating of 2652!

Matters quickly clarified. The Malta Chess Federation was hosting Nielsen, number one player in Denmark and currently in the world's list of the top 50 strongest grandmasters.

A pleasant surprise for everyone and a day to remember for Matthew Saliba, Christian Pullicino, Mark Cardona, Oliver Said and Colin Pace who were drawn to play Nielsen in the five-round event that ensued.

As expected Nielsen had an easy ride beating the local young talent with masterly skills.

MCF president Geoffrey Borg arrived at the chess club during the course of the games and met with Nielsen informally. He also found the time to play two friendly Blitz games with the grandmaster, losing one and drawing the other, to round up a memorable Sunday morning.

Final standings after five rounds: 1. Nielsen 5 pts; 2-3. Vella, Borg 4 pts; 4-5. Pace, Gauci 3.5 pts; 6-10 Saliba, Cardona, Demanuele, Aksentic, Sinn 3 pts; 11. Sacco 2.5 pts; 12-17. Pullicino, Said, Azzopardi, Brincat, Farrugia, Psaila 2 pts; 18-20. Agius Fernandez, Muscat Baron, Saliba 1.5 pts; 21. Attard 1 pt; 22. Gauci 0.