The second phase of the National Chess Championship – the Candidates – sponsored by Simonds Farsons Cisk, has now reached the fifth round and the battle for the top places is in full swing.

With two games remaining there is no more room for error for the top contenders to the four qualifying places available and this week the adrenaline will run high as we go into the penultimate round.

The leader is Peter Sammut Briffa (photo) with four and a half points.

Sammut Briffa, who was local champion three times, returned to the top scene after some years abroad and is showing good form.

His only draw so far was a quick draw against his old rival Harry Camilleri who is in second place.

Eight players, including the promising Patrick and Robert Zerafa, Sam Sacco and Ayman Ibrahim are still holding on to a possible place in this year’s 72nd National Chess Finals whilst celebrities like Joe Gauci, Duncan Vella,and Harry Camilleri must turn on their best performance to make sure they do not end up stranded.



These are the pairing for round six.

Sammut Briffa Peter vs Gauci Joseph

Camilleri Harry -Zerafa Robert

Ayman Ibrahim-Vella Duncan

Zerafa Patrick-Sacco Sam

Sammut Ron-Said Oliver

Richards John-Caruana George

Farrugia Chris-Grima Noel



Standings:

1.Peter Sammut Briffa 4½ pts; 2.Harry Camilleri 4 pts; 3-4 Joseph Gauci, Robert Zerafa 3½ pts; 5-8 Patrick Zerafa, Duncan Vella, Ayman Ibrahim, Sam Sacco 3 pts; 9-12 Chris Farrugia, Oliver Said, John Richards, Ron Sammut 2 pts; 13-15 Fabrizio Ellul, Noel Grima, George Caruana 1½ pts.