REIGNING male chess player of the year Benjamin Hoareau proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with as he walked over the rest of the field in last Saturday's season-opening Paradise Open competition.

Hoareau lifted the first trophy for the year during the competition played on a round-robin format at the St Louis district administration office.

Hoareau, who faced some fierce challenge from 2002 male chessler of the year Ryan Constance, kept his concentration throughout the whole competition to finish unbeaten in seven matches for a total of seven points.

Constance, who only lost to Hoareau, had to do with second position with six points, while Dominique Furneau took third place with five points.

Fourth position went to 2003 female player of the year Petrina Valentin, whereas Veronica Alphonse, who was making a comeback after a long break, was fifth with three points.

The sixth, seventh and eighth positions were occupied by Dericka Figaro, Janice Constance and Yannick Bill respectively.

Meanwhile, the Seychelles Chess Federation would like to inform all its members and the general public that training will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. at the St Louis district administration office.