The Fiji Chess Federation kicked off its 2024 season with a massive 49 participants competing in the Vodafone Blitz Chess Championship.
The 49 players were divided into four categories including open, women’s, primary schools and secondary schools.
Young Rudr Prasad won the 2023 edition but long-time national champion Manoj Kumar was the targeted man of the competition.
“We have the open category, women’s, secondary schools, and primary schools. We have a total prize pool of almost $1,100 and we’ll also be awarding trophies and medals for the top three prize getters.
“Major Kumar is a 15-time national champion, he is the favorite, highest rated player but a lot of the younger players are expected to put in a good fight. In shorter time controls, it favors the younger players because they have that natural reaction.”
Their next tournament will be held next month. FCF’s major international commitment this year is the World Chess Olympiad scheduled for September 10-23 in Budapest.
Several players have been selected to represent Team Fiji and Fiji Chess will finalize the names by early February.
