FIJI’S women’s chess team secured a 4-0 victory over Comoros Islands, while the open team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Puerto Rico in the second round of the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The women’s team bounced back from its opening -round defeat to Croatia.
While the open team also went down to Malysia in the first round.
Yash Maharaj was a standout for the open team in its second-round encounter, defeating higher-rated opponent Joshua Pedrosa on Board Four to claim a valuable point for Fiji.
Both teams faced higher-rated opposition in the opening round, with all games lasting more than three hours as Fiji’s players showed determination and fighting spirit throughout their matches.
The Olympiad features nearly 400 teams from around the world, with Fiji competing in the 11-round tournament.
The open team was scheduled to face Niger in the third round, while the women’s team took on Uganda.
Fiji’s participation in the tournament provides its players with valuable international experience as they represent the country on the world stage.
Fiji’s players and officials have acknowledged the support and encouragement received from home, which has been a source of motivation throughout their campaign in Uzbekistan.
