Sports
Ayman Ibrahim leads the way after first three rounds
By MM Sports
Feb 27, 2007 - 5:22:57 PM

Top-seed Ayman Ibrahim is the sole leader in the Chess Preliminaries 2007 after the third round of games. The Preliminaries are the first phase of the National Chess Championship.

Ibrahim defeated Matthew Saliba who had started an early attack before Ibrahim gained control and claimed victory.

On board 2, Clarence Psaila beat Alexander Farrugia. Chris Farrugia defeated young Kyle Bonnici who is currently showing remarkable improvement despite the defeat.  Veteran Ron Sammut beat Rita Saliba while Jessica Aguilar and Noel Grima beat Joe Gatt and Michael Cuschieri respectively. Fabrizio Ellul and
Tony Muscat Baron shared the spoils in a draw.

A good number of player stand a chance to secure a top-six finish and qualify for the second phase of the championship which will be played in July .