The fifth round of the 2004 Chess Rapid Grand Prix Series attracted a record 33 participants.

Top seed was Robert Sinn (2566). Sinn lives in the US and is the brother of current junior champion Charles. Sinn Snr. makes it a point to take part in the Rapid GP whenever he visits the islands.

Since only five rounds were scheduled, quick draws were not on the agenda of skilled players like R. Sinn, T. Sorensen, C. Pace, D. Vella and J. Gauci.

Sorensen was the overall winner with five straight wins. He outplayed R. Azzopardi, C. Pullicino, D. Vella, R. Sinn and C. Pace. His endgame technique proved vital in the games against Vella and Pace while the tussle with Sinn in round four was determined in his favour in the late middle-game.

Sorensen has now strengthened his grip on the first place in the series where points accumulated each month will determine the overall winner.

R. Sinn was second thanks to his superior Buholz score. Pace was third. Sinn Jnr. placed a respectable fifth with four points and will probably see his Rapid rating rise after this result.

Young Gary Brincat and Chris Borg also had a very good tournament, each winning three games out of five played.

Round six of the series will be played on July 4.