THE Fiji Chess Federation will be collaborating with an eco-industrial company to host the 2023 National Rapid Chess Championship that will be held at The University of Fiji in Saweni, Lautoka.
Fiji Chess general secretary Goru Arvind said PAHO Eco-industries had come on board for the first time, and he was excited about the competition which would be held next month.
“With a minimum prize pool of $1000, this will be one of the biggest chess tournaments in the west,” said Arvind.
“Youngsters Yash Krishen Maharaj and provisional FIDE master (FM) Rudr Prasad of the University of the South Pacific will be favourites for the 20 minutes + 10 seconds per move format event where speed and agility will determine key positions in a game.
The duo has literally won everything this year.”
Ex-Olympiad reps such as candidate master (CM) Manoj Kumar, national champion CM Taione Sikivou, CM Ronald Terubea, Cydel Terubea, Prashant Sarup, women’s candidate master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu and provisional WCM Tanvi Prasad are expected to tightly contest for top spots in the championship.
“There will be nine rounds of play across two days, and we are hoping to see more new chess players from the West,” adds Arvind.
“It will be a battle of wits, nerves, patience, and match fitness as younger players are becoming more and more competitive in standard, rapid, and blitz.”
Category prizes will also be up for grabs for primary and schools, as well for women’s division. All chess players who compete in their first local tournament under Fiji Chess Federation will contend against
each other for the best beginner award.
The primary and secondary school’s divisions will feature upcoming players such as Zayne Elmond Keshwan of Jai Narayan College, Makayla Sukhu of Suva Grammar School, Latileta Masau of Dudley Intermediate School, Lewis Koroi of Gospel High School, Arnav Lal of Jai Narayan College, Kartik Chandof Vunimono High School, Sandeau Amarasinghe of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School to name a few.
Chess players from The University of Fiji and schools in the Western Division are expected to intensify the level of play.
The overall tournament winner will be declared the National Rapid Chess Champion for 2023.
