The Malta Chess Open (for 2009) came to a close recently after a week of play.

The tournament, which was a seven-round Swiss format open to all chess players, was well attended by both Maltese and foreign contenders.

The Malta Chess Federation hosted the event at its Sliema premises, and was pleased to see the event attract a healthy number of newcomers.

The Malta Open trophy went to Italian veteran Nicola Vozza who flew over to Malta for the tournament. Swedish Alexander Pettersson, a long-time member of the MCF who also represented the federation in the Mediterranean Games, came in second also with 5 ½ points but with less Buchholz than Vozza.

Maltese player Oliver Said showed great combative spirit and beat Pettersson in the last game of the final round, to clinch third prize. German Andreas Comtesse won the “Best Unrated” award.

Trophies and awards were presented to the winners by Colin Pace and Kenneth J. Borg from the Malta Chess Federation committee.

Blitz GP

The Malta Chess Federation is also organising a Blitz Grand Prix every third Sunday of the month starting 21 February. Each tournament will comprise a seven-round Swiss system, with five minutes per player to finish.

The Blitz Grand Prix tournaments will be held at Pasha, in the Artisan Centre, Bay Street Complex, St Julian’s.

Further updates will be available on www.chessmalta.com and on the “Chess in Malta” Facebook group.