Internationally-rated Hanna Sorial won the open weekend chess tournament, sponsored by Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker.

Sorial, who hails from Egypt, has a world rating of 2,264, which made him the pre-tournament favourite. Sixteen players took part.

Twice Sorial was somewhat lucky to escape defeat. First against Colin Pace, who lost on time in a winning position, and then against Duncan Vella. The latter was unlucky to miss the right move during complications.

Sorial won all his five games for a perfect score. Pace was second with four points ahead of national team colleague Vella who finished with 3.5 points.

Standings: 4-6. John Richards, Oliver Said, Ron Sammut; 7. Mark Cardona; 8-12. Ivan Attard, Ralph Agius Fernandez, Matthew Saliba, Noel Grima, Sharon McKay; 13-14. Ray Azzopardi, Tony Muscat Baron; 15-16. Nelson Taylor, Olive Rippengal.

The first tournament from the 2003 Rapid Chess Grand Prix Series will be played on Sunday at the Libertas Sports Association in Pembroke, starting at 9 a.m.

KPMG are the new sponsors of this popular competition which last year saw the participation of 70 players over the nine stages.