Please note tomorrow's tournament is a Team Event. You must compete as a Team. 4x players from the same school (primary or secondary). If you cannot form a team, then you will have to wait for our next monthly individual tournament. ... See MoreSee Less
Tournament - 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Schools Team Chess Championship Date: Date: Sat 24th Aug 2024 Time: 8.30am - 5pm Venue: Lecture Room 019-104, Laucala Campus, University of the South Google Maps: bit.ly/413YjFO - labelled USP Space Video Directions to the Venue: youtube.com/shorts/z2OW0WnqLrM?feature=share Tournament Regulations: Rounds: 7 with Round 1 start time of 9.30am Tournament Schedule: Time Control: Rapid; 15m + 5s per move Tentative Prize Schedule: Trophies, Medals and Certificates.
Special Conditions & Notes: Team Format - 4 v 4 Board line up must be submitted by team captain before first round. Board line up cannot be changed throughout tournament. It is fixed. All players must be from the same school. Please COME IN SCHOOL UNIFORM, so we know you are from the same school.
If you have any queries, please contact us on fijichessfederation@gmail.com OR drop us a message on Facebook ... See MoreSee Less
The 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Teams Chess Championship is all set to explode from 08:30 AM on Saturday 24 August, 2024 at H104A (019-104A) at The University of the South Pacific Campus in Suva.
To encourage more Primary and Secondary Schools to send in Teams of 4 players, the Fiji Chess Federation has removed all entry fees for the event.
The tournament will be played in 15 minutes plus 5 seconds per move format with teams consisting of 4 chess players from each Primary and Secondary School that competes in it. This is the first time for Fiji Chess Federation to revive a team's event after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
"After a lapse of almost 5 years, Vodafone Fiji has re-introduced the National School Teams Chess Championship that will only include teams of 4 chess players with a maximum of two teams per school," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Each team will consist of Board 1-4, and we will award the titles of National Primary School Team Champion and National Secondary School Team Champion respectively."
The event is expected to feature some of Fiji's best upcoming chess players with teams from Mahatma Gandhi Primary School, Suva Grammar School, Marist Brother's High School, Jai Narayan College, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School, Yat Sen Primary School and any other schools that are able to send their best 4 chess players to compete.
"There will be prizes for the winners from Vodafone Fiji who are helping us to promote chess across the nation," adds Goru Arvind. "We have arranged Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for the top teams in Primary and Secondary School."
Meanwhile, Team Fiji is preparing to depart for the 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest, Hungary in early September 2024 to compete with at least 192 other countries. Fiji's top chess players from the squad are set for intense training sessions in the next three weeks, with an international coach, Grandmaster (GM) Samy Shoker of Egypt assigned to guide Fiji before the Olympiad.
All interested school teams must report to the tournament venue at The University of the South Pacific by 08:30 AM on Saturday 24 August, 2024.
(Photo: School students enjoying a game of chess) ... See MoreSee Less
Candidate Master (CM) Rudr Prasad of The University of the South Pacific survived a strong challenge from CM Manoj Kumar to clinch the 2024 Vodafone Fiji July Rapid Chess title with an equal score of 6/7, where the latter settled for second place. CM Taione Sikivou took third position over CM Ronald Terubea by virtue of a higher tie-break at 5.5/7 each, while Yash Krishen Maharaj came fifth with 5/7.
Women's Candidate Master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu edged second-placed Latileta Masau of Dudley Intermediate School with a higher tie-break at 4/7 each. Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School, and Tanmayee Naicker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School secured the third and fourth positions at 3/7 each on tie-break, and Isinda Dissanayake of Jai Narayan College was fifth at 2/7.
"The next Vodafone Fiji Rapid Chess tournament in late August will be the 2024 National School Teams Chess Championship in Suva," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Each Primary and Secondary School will be eligible to field a team that consists of four of their best chess players. Schools that have many good chess players can consider sending a maximum of two teams."
The Under-20 Division was tightly contested between Zayne Keshwan and Kinura Herath of Jai Narayan College who both tallied a solid 5/7, but the former took the top place by virtue of tie-break. Rajatha Weerasekara of Jai Narayan College secured third place at 4.5/7, while Kartik Chandra of The University of the South Pacific and Praveer Singh of Marist Brother's High School finished fourth and fifth respectively with an equal score of 4/7.
The Under-14 Division was convincingly won by SMDN Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School at 4.5/7, ahead of Yajas Sharma of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School, and Yanick Khatri and Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School who all finished second, third and fourth at 4/7 each. The fifth position was taken by Blake Lee-Jamnadas of Kids First Primary School with 3/7.
"The National School Teams Chess Championship is an exclusive tournament for Primary and Secondary school students only," adds Goru Arvind. "It will be a one-day event under Rapid Format that is akin to most of our tournaments in the year."
Nikhil Chand and Shristi Sinha of Fiji National University secured the Best Male Newcomer and Best Female Newcomer awards by scoring well in their first-ever Fiji Chess Federation event.
The Best Upset Awards were won by Zayne Keshwan of Jai Narayan College for winning against CM Goru Arvind, and unrated Kartik Chandra of The University of the South Pacific for defeating Latileta Masau.
Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School won the TicketMax Lucky Draw Prize for Online Registration via the official Fiji Chess Federation Facebook page.
Further details of the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Teams Chess Championship will be confirmed by next week.
Tournament - 2024 Vodafone Fiji July Rapid Chess Tournament Date: Date: Sat 27th July 2024 Time: 8.30am - 5pm Venue: Lecture Room 019-104, Laucala Campus, University of the South Google Maps: bit.ly/413YjFO - labelled USP Space Video Directions to the Venue: youtube.com/shorts/z2OW0WnqLrM?feature=share Tournament Regulations: drive.google.com/file/d/1mnQXV2EFQAoXieY1Qkv4N5885rp93rPn/view?usp=sharing Rounds: 7 with Round 1 start time of 9.10am Tournament Schedule: drive.google.com/file/d/1FBAYOWcwnKvvTEykASQJL1yCxaP3S4Ux/view?usp=sharing Time Control: Rapid; 15m + 5s per move Prize Pool: $1,000 minimum Tentative Prize Schedule: drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh5l5DgKtwsCUuumfgBfGff-uyAPIcF8/view?usp=drive_link **Separate Women's Tournament if more than 9 women players Tournament Entry Fees: FCF Members: $10 (under 18), $5 (above 18 years old) Non-Members: $10 (under 18), $20 (above 18 years old) Special Conditions & Notes: Registration/ Please consider pre-registration using the QR Code or link below. Alternatively, you can register on the day at the tournament venue from 8.30am - 9.00am Pre-Registration Form/ **Closes at 8pm Fri 26th July bit.ly/FCFPlayJuly2024 If you have any queries, please contact us on fijichessfederation@gmail.com OR drop us a message on Facebook ... See MoreSee Less
Chess players from around the world paid homage to the International Chess Day that was commenced by FIDE - International Chess Federation on 20 July, 1924 to mark 100 years for the sport which has reached out to at least 193 countries to date.
The next Vodafone Fiji Rapid Chess Championship is scheduled to be held at room H104A in The University of the South Pacific campus at Laucala Bay, Suva from 08:30 AM on Saturday 27 July, 2024 with prizes set for Open, Women, Under-20 and Under-14 Divisions.
"Our continuing partnership with Vodafone Fiji and FIDE is setting up a strong platform for the next generation of chess players from Fiji," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Some countries like Armenia, India, China and Germany have more or less adopted chess to be taught in schools as it significantly helps to bolster a child's analytical thinking and patience. In Fiji, we have even seen it work with children who have high anxiety disorder to teach them how to sit still, and focus."
Fiji Chess Federation was registered with the World Chess Federation in 1979 through a chess club formed by Dr. Virgilio De Asa, and has since then progressed forward to earn several international titles like Women's FIDE Master (WFM), Candidate Master (CM) and Women's Candidate Master (WCM) through its athletes in Oceania Zonal Chess Championships and the World Chess Olympiad.
Fiji's officials have also earned international titles like FIDE Arbiter (FA), National Arbiter (NA), International Organizer (IO), FIDE Instructor (FI), National Instructor (NI) and Development Instructor (DI) for administering chess tournaments and coaching classes.
"In the last Olympiad from 2022, Fiji managed to secure two WCM and one CM title which is the highest we achieved so far in a single World Chess Championship," adds Goru Arvind. "The upcoming 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest in Hungary will mark the international debut of Makayla Sukhu of Suva Grammar School and Yash Krishen Maharaj who is a student at The University of the South Pacific."
To celebrate International Chess Day, Fiji Chess Federation has released photos from the past decade to recall moments of joy propelled by our talented athletes, and look forward to a lot more in time to come.
All interested participants for the next tournament must report to H104A at The University of the South Pacific by 08:30 AM on Saturday 27 July, 2024.
(Photos: Fiji's athletes from the past decade) ... See MoreSee Less
Candidate Masters (CM) Taione Sikivou and CM Rudr Prasad of The University of the South Pacific showcased masterclass combinations in their chess as the duo notched the first and second positions respectively, with an equally unbeaten score of 8.5/9 to top the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Rapid Chess Championship at The University of Fiji in Lautoka. CM Taione Sikivou won the overall title by a 2-0 win in an extended finale play-off with CM Rudr Prasad under 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move blitz games.
Yash Krishen Maharaj of The University of the South Pacific wrapped up strongly in third position with 7/9, while the fourth and fifth prizes were secured by FIDE Arena CM Prashil Prakash and Deepak Prasad at 6/9 each.
The National Women's Rapid Championship title was won by Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School with 6/7 against Pritha Ram of Korovuto College who came second with 5/7. Milina Senikuva of Natabua High School finished third with 4/7, while the fourth and fifth positions were taken by Tanmayee Naiker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School and Catherine Talemaitoga of Natabua Primary School.
"We are thankful to The University of Fiji and Vodafone Fiji for partnering with our team to host a 2-day National Championship in Rapid Format," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Excitement for our sport is growing as we tread closer to the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Team's Chess Championship in August."
The Under-20 Division was won by Peter Ricardo of Swami Vivekananda High School who tallied 5.5/9, ahead of the next three winners such as Paul Anthony Corpuz of Lautoka Zhong Hua Primary School, Ilaisa Senikuba of Drasa Avenue Primary School, and Shrey Pandey of Xavier College who all had an equal 5/9. Luis Corpuz of Gurukul Primary School came fifth with 4.5/9.
The Under-14 Division was won by Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School by virtue of better tie-break against second-placed Abhiru Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School with a score of 5/9 each. Yash Yuvaan Prasad of Lautoka Central Primary School finished third with 4/9, while Blake-Lee Jamnadas of Kid's First Primary School and Arsene Zephyr De Luzuriaga of Gandhi Bhawan Primary School came fourth and fifth with a locked score of 3/9.
"In upcoming weeks, we will announce our final 13-member squad for the 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest in Hungary for September 2024," adds Goru Arvind. "After a long and thought-provoking selection process, Team Fiji has locked a team that depicts youth, aggression, experience and patience for the world's 5th largest sporting event. Our training schedule will be intensifying further as we speak."
In special awards, Post-Graduate student from Fiji National University (FNU), Monishkar Naidu and Lavesh Sharma of The University of Fiji grabbed the Best Newcomer Male Award for amassing a solid 5/9 each in their first-ever chess tournament under Fiji Chess Federation.
Shyla Pandey of Arya Kanya Primary School from Ba bagged the Spirit of the Game Award for Women, and a Lucky Draw Prize for early Online Registration via Google Forms at the official Fiji Chess Federation Facebook page.
Deepak Prasad won an additional award for Best Upset as he defeated 5 FIDE Rated players including Abhiru Herath (1664), Yash Yuvaan Prasad (1540), Peter Ricardo (1597), Paul Corpuz (1481) and Kinura Herath (1546) in his unrated status. This is a rare feat for Best Upset where multiple opponents were outplayed.
Details of the next tournament at the end of July 2024 will be published in the media in upcoming days.
Please note tomorrow's tournament is a Team Event. You must compete as a Team.
4x players from the same school (primary or secondary).
If you cannot form a team, then you will have to wait for our next monthly individual tournament. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Tournament - 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Schools Team Chess Championship
Date: Date: Sat 24th Aug 2024 Time: 8.30am - 5pm
Venue: Lecture Room 019-104, Laucala Campus, University of the South
Google Maps: bit.ly/413YjFO - labelled USP Space
Video Directions to the Venue: youtube.com/shorts/z2OW0WnqLrM?feature=share
Tournament Regulations:
Rounds: 7 with Round 1 start time of 9.30am
Tournament Schedule:
Time Control: Rapid; 15m + 5s per move
Tentative Prize Schedule:
Trophies, Medals and Certificates.
Special Conditions & Notes:
Team Format - 4 v 4
Board line up must be submitted by team captain before first round.
Board line up cannot be changed throughout tournament. It is fixed.
All players must be from the same school.
Please COME IN SCHOOL UNIFORM, so we know you are from the same school.
If you have any queries, please contact us on fijichessfederation@gmail.com OR drop us a message on Facebook ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
MEDALS FOR SCHOOL CHESS TEAMS
The 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Teams Chess Championship is all set to explode from 08:30 AM on Saturday 24 August, 2024 at H104A (019-104A) at The University of the South Pacific Campus in Suva.
To encourage more Primary and Secondary Schools to send in Teams of 4 players, the Fiji Chess Federation has removed all entry fees for the event.
The tournament will be played in 15 minutes plus 5 seconds per move format with teams consisting of 4 chess players from each Primary and Secondary School that competes in it. This is the first time for Fiji Chess Federation to revive a team's event after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
"After a lapse of almost 5 years, Vodafone Fiji has re-introduced the National School Teams Chess Championship that will only include teams of 4 chess players with a maximum of two teams per school," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Each team will consist of Board 1-4, and we will award the titles of National Primary School Team Champion and National Secondary School Team Champion respectively."
The event is expected to feature some of Fiji's best upcoming chess players with teams from Mahatma Gandhi Primary School, Suva Grammar School, Marist Brother's High School, Jai Narayan College, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School, Yat Sen Primary School and any other schools that are able to send their best 4 chess players to compete.
"There will be prizes for the winners from Vodafone Fiji who are helping us to promote chess across the nation," adds Goru Arvind. "We have arranged Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for the top teams in Primary and Secondary School."
Meanwhile, Team Fiji is preparing to depart for the 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest, Hungary in early September 2024 to compete with at least 192 other countries. Fiji's top chess players from the squad are set for intense training sessions in the next three weeks, with an international coach, Grandmaster (GM) Samy Shoker of Egypt assigned to guide Fiji before the Olympiad.
All interested school teams must report to the tournament venue at The University of the South Pacific by 08:30 AM on Saturday 24 August, 2024.
(Photo: School students enjoying a game of chess) ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Team Sigatoka Andhra excited to come and gain exposure. Team of 4 ready.
Fiji Chess Federation Can the competition be held in Labasa in years to come.
Nimish Rao
USP STUDENT WINS VODAFONE FIJI CHESS
Candidate Master (CM) Rudr Prasad of The University of the South Pacific survived a strong challenge from CM Manoj Kumar to clinch the 2024 Vodafone Fiji July Rapid Chess title with an equal score of 6/7, where the latter settled for second place. CM Taione Sikivou took third position over CM Ronald Terubea by virtue of a higher tie-break at 5.5/7 each, while Yash Krishen Maharaj came fifth with 5/7.
Women's Candidate Master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu edged second-placed Latileta Masau of Dudley Intermediate School with a higher tie-break at 4/7 each. Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School, and Tanmayee Naicker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School secured the third and fourth positions at 3/7 each on tie-break, and Isinda Dissanayake of Jai Narayan College was fifth at 2/7.
"The next Vodafone Fiji Rapid Chess tournament in late August will be the 2024 National School Teams Chess Championship in Suva," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Each Primary and Secondary School will be eligible to field a team that consists of four of their best chess players. Schools that have many good chess players can consider sending a maximum of two teams."
The Under-20 Division was tightly contested between Zayne Keshwan and Kinura Herath of Jai Narayan College who both tallied a solid 5/7, but the former took the top place by virtue of tie-break. Rajatha Weerasekara of Jai Narayan College secured third place at 4.5/7, while Kartik Chandra of The University of the South Pacific and Praveer Singh of Marist Brother's High School finished fourth and fifth respectively with an equal score of 4/7.
The Under-14 Division was convincingly won by SMDN Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School at 4.5/7, ahead of Yajas Sharma of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School, and Yanick Khatri and Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School who all finished second, third and fourth at 4/7 each. The fifth position was taken by Blake Lee-Jamnadas of Kids First Primary School with 3/7.
"The National School Teams Chess Championship is an exclusive tournament for Primary and Secondary school students only," adds Goru Arvind. "It will be a one-day event under Rapid Format that is akin to most of our tournaments in the year."
Nikhil Chand and Shristi Sinha of Fiji National University secured the Best Male Newcomer and Best Female Newcomer awards by scoring well in their first-ever Fiji Chess Federation event.
The Best Upset Awards were won by Zayne Keshwan of Jai Narayan College for winning against CM Goru Arvind, and unrated Kartik Chandra of The University of the South Pacific for defeating Latileta Masau.
Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School won the TicketMax Lucky Draw Prize for Online Registration via the official Fiji Chess Federation Facebook page.
Further details of the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Teams Chess Championship will be confirmed by next week.
(Photos: Chess players at H104A in USP) ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Congratulations team Jai Narayan
Many congratulations🎊🎊🎊🎊
Congratulations Kartik Chandra Shristi Sinha Nikhil Chand
Tournament - 2024 Vodafone Fiji July Rapid Chess Tournament
Date: Date: Sat 27th July 2024 Time: 8.30am - 5pm
Venue: Lecture Room 019-104, Laucala Campus, University of the South
Google Maps: bit.ly/413YjFO - labelled USP Space
Video Directions to the Venue: youtube.com/shorts/z2OW0WnqLrM?feature=share
Tournament Regulations: drive.google.com/file/d/1mnQXV2EFQAoXieY1Qkv4N5885rp93rPn/view?usp=sharing
Rounds: 7 with Round 1 start time of 9.10am
Tournament Schedule: drive.google.com/file/d/1FBAYOWcwnKvvTEykASQJL1yCxaP3S4Ux/view?usp=sharing
Time Control: Rapid; 15m + 5s per move
Prize Pool: $1,000 minimum
Tentative Prize Schedule: drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh5l5DgKtwsCUuumfgBfGff-uyAPIcF8/view?usp=drive_link
**Separate Women's Tournament if more than 9 women players
Tournament Entry Fees:
FCF Members: $10 (under 18), $5 (above 18 years old)
Non-Members: $10 (under 18), $20 (above 18 years old)
Special Conditions & Notes:
Registration/
Please consider pre-registration using the QR Code or link below. Alternatively, you can register on the day at the tournament venue from 8.30am - 9.00am
Pre-Registration Form/ **Closes at 8pm Fri 26th July
bit.ly/FCFPlayJuly2024
If you have any queries, please contact us on fijichessfederation@gmail.com OR drop us a message on Facebook ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
HOMAGE TO INTERNATIONAL CHESS DAY
Chess players from around the world paid homage to the International Chess Day that was commenced by FIDE - International Chess Federation on 20 July, 1924 to mark 100 years for the sport which has reached out to at least 193 countries to date.
The next Vodafone Fiji Rapid Chess Championship is scheduled to be held at room H104A in The University of the South Pacific campus at Laucala Bay, Suva from 08:30 AM on Saturday 27 July, 2024 with prizes set for Open, Women, Under-20 and Under-14 Divisions.
"Our continuing partnership with Vodafone Fiji and FIDE is setting up a strong platform for the next generation of chess players from Fiji," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Some countries like Armenia, India, China and Germany have more or less adopted chess to be taught in schools as it significantly helps to bolster a child's analytical thinking and patience. In Fiji, we have even seen it work with children who have high anxiety disorder to teach them how to sit still, and focus."
Fiji Chess Federation was registered with the World Chess Federation in 1979 through a chess club formed by Dr. Virgilio De Asa, and has since then progressed forward to earn several international titles like Women's FIDE Master (WFM), Candidate Master (CM) and Women's Candidate Master (WCM) through its athletes in Oceania Zonal Chess Championships and the World Chess Olympiad.
Fiji's officials have also earned international titles like FIDE Arbiter (FA), National Arbiter (NA), International Organizer (IO), FIDE Instructor (FI), National Instructor (NI) and Development Instructor (DI) for administering chess tournaments and coaching classes.
"In the last Olympiad from 2022, Fiji managed to secure two WCM and one CM title which is the highest we achieved so far in a single World Chess Championship," adds Goru Arvind. "The upcoming 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest in Hungary will mark the international debut of Makayla Sukhu of Suva Grammar School and Yash Krishen Maharaj who is a student at The University of the South Pacific."
To celebrate International Chess Day, Fiji Chess Federation has released photos from the past decade to recall moments of joy propelled by our talented athletes, and look forward to a lot more in time to come.
All interested participants for the next tournament must report to H104A at The University of the South Pacific by 08:30 AM on Saturday 27 July, 2024.
(Photos: Fiji's athletes from the past decade) ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Dear FCF . Please note its Suva Grammar School and not Suva Grammar High School . Thank you
Congratulations to the Fiji Chess Federation on International Chess Day! We look forward to the coming Vodafone Fiji Rapid Chess Championship👍
Notice - Cancelled EGM
Due to double booking of venue (USP). Todays EGM and Blitz are cancelled. Apologies for the inconvenience. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
How did usp managed to double book again? 🤣
A case of friends at high places.
* REMINDER *
FCF EGM Sat 20th July (**FCF Members Only)
Time: 10am - 11am
Venue: 019-104 Lecture Room, USP
We will have FIDE Rated Blitz Tournament (3m+2s) afterwards
1pm-4pm. Registration 12.45pm
No Entry Fee. ... See MoreSee Less
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CLIFFHANGER WIN FOR CM TAIONE!
Candidate Masters (CM) Taione Sikivou and CM Rudr Prasad of The University of the South Pacific showcased masterclass combinations in their chess as the duo notched the first and second positions respectively, with an equally unbeaten score of 8.5/9 to top the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Rapid Chess Championship at The University of Fiji in Lautoka. CM Taione Sikivou won the overall title by a 2-0 win in an extended finale play-off with CM Rudr Prasad under 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move blitz games.
Yash Krishen Maharaj of The University of the South Pacific wrapped up strongly in third position with 7/9, while the fourth and fifth prizes were secured by FIDE Arena CM Prashil Prakash and Deepak Prasad at 6/9 each.
The National Women's Rapid Championship title was won by Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School with 6/7 against Pritha Ram of Korovuto College who came second with 5/7. Milina Senikuva of Natabua High School finished third with 4/7, while the fourth and fifth positions were taken by Tanmayee Naiker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School and Catherine Talemaitoga of Natabua Primary School.
"We are thankful to The University of Fiji and Vodafone Fiji for partnering with our team to host a 2-day National Championship in Rapid Format," states General Secretary Goru Arvind. "Excitement for our sport is growing as we tread closer to the 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Team's Chess Championship in August."
The Under-20 Division was won by Peter Ricardo of Swami Vivekananda High School who tallied 5.5/9, ahead of the next three winners such as Paul Anthony Corpuz of Lautoka Zhong Hua Primary School, Ilaisa Senikuba of Drasa Avenue Primary School, and Shrey Pandey of Xavier College who all had an equal 5/9. Luis Corpuz of Gurukul Primary School came fifth with 4.5/9.
The Under-14 Division was won by Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School by virtue of better tie-break against second-placed Abhiru Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School with a score of 5/9 each. Yash Yuvaan Prasad of Lautoka Central Primary School finished third with 4/9, while Blake-Lee Jamnadas of Kid's First Primary School and Arsene Zephyr De Luzuriaga of Gandhi Bhawan Primary School came fourth and fifth with a locked score of 3/9.
"In upcoming weeks, we will announce our final 13-member squad for the 45th World Chess Olympiad at Budapest in Hungary for September 2024," adds Goru Arvind. "After a long and thought-provoking selection process, Team Fiji has locked a team that depicts youth, aggression, experience and patience for the world's 5th largest sporting event. Our training schedule will be intensifying further as we speak."
In special awards, Post-Graduate student from Fiji National University (FNU), Monishkar Naidu and Lavesh Sharma of The University of Fiji grabbed the Best Newcomer Male Award for amassing a solid 5/9 each in their first-ever chess tournament under Fiji Chess Federation.
Shyla Pandey of Arya Kanya Primary School from Ba bagged the Spirit of the Game Award for Women, and a Lucky Draw Prize for early Online Registration via Google Forms at the official Fiji Chess Federation Facebook page.
Deepak Prasad won an additional award for Best Upset as he defeated 5 FIDE Rated players including Abhiru Herath (1664), Yash Yuvaan Prasad (1540), Peter Ricardo (1597), Paul Corpuz (1481) and Kinura Herath (1546) in his unrated status. This is a rare feat for Best Upset where multiple opponents were outplayed.
Details of the next tournament at the end of July 2024 will be published in the media in upcoming days.
(Photos: Chess players at The University of Fiji in Lautoka) ... See MoreSee Less
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