The Malta Open, hosted by the Malta Chess Federation at its headquarters in Sliema, came to a close recently.

The tournament, which lasted seven days and was played over a seven-round Swiss format, was contested by Maltese and foreign contenders.

The Malta Open trophy went to veteran Nicola Vozza.

Sweden's Alexander Pettersson, a long-time member of the MCF and representative on the Maltese Mediterranean Games team, was second with the same points as Vozza - 5.5 - but with less Buchholz than the Italian.

Oliver Said showed great combative spirit throughout the Open. He beat Pettersson in the last game of the final round, to clinch third place.

Andreas Comtesse, of Germany, got the Best Unrated Award as trophies and awards were presented to the winners by Colin Pace and Kenneth J. Borg from the Malta Chess Federation committee.

The next event, the Rapid Grand Prix, kicks off on February 7. The final rounds of this competition will be played in October and matches are held every first Sunday of the month.

Each rapid tournament will comprise five-rounds Swiss format, with 15 minutes per player each game.

Meanwhile, those seeking to figure in the classic two-hour per player game can subscribe to the second Sunday Open Tournament, kicking off on February 14.

The federation will also be organising a Blitz Grand Prix every third Sunday of the month, starting February 21.

This tournament will be held at Pasha, in Bay Street Complex, St Julian's.