Massimo Cremona (picture) has retained the title of Malta champion for the second consecutive year. It is also the seventh time in his career that he has won the coveted title.

Cremona, who plays for CS Reggiana of Italy, lived up to his expectations as No.2 player in the world.

The format was based on seven ranking tournaments during the season, all players gaining points according to their placing with the top eight players forming the Premier Division and competing in a round robin league for the national title.

The Premier Division was composed of Mark Gauci, Massimo Cremona, Joseph Mifsud, Charles Aquilina, Hansel Mallia, Samuel Bartolo, Derek Conti and Patrick Pace.

The league was tough. Cremona started well with a 2-1 win against Derek Conti, but soon after he lost heavily to Samuel Bartolo 0-4 and drew with Hansel Mallia 2-2 thus gaining four points from a possible 9.

He recovered to beat heavily Patrick Pace 5-1, then Joseph Mifsud 4-0. At this stage, with two games remaining Aquilina was still leading the table one point ahead of Cremona.

In a classical encounter Cremona showed character to beat Aquilina 4-2, and move two points ahead of his opponent.

In the final game Cremona came from behind to beat Mark Gauci marginally 3-2 to remain two points ahead of Aquilina who finished with 14 points only 2 points behind Cremona.

Aquilina played brilliant and was consistent through out the day. Youngster Samuel Bartolo was third. He was the only player to beat Cremona heavily 4-0.

Thus for the FISTF World Cup to be held in Germany next June, Cremona will be joined by Joseph Mifsud, Hansel Mallia, Charles Aquilina and Samuel Bartolo.