CALVIN Prasad scooped the 2014 SportsWorld Fiji National Chess Championship at the Fiji Olympic House in Suva yesterday.
Prasad raked in eight points to finish ahead of former national champion Manoj Kumar and PNG national representative Stuart Fancy, who managed seven points, each.
Taione Sikivou finished fourth on six while John Caldeira managed five points to finish fifth in the five-day tournament.
In the women’s grade, Cydel Terubea toppled veteran Gloria Sukhu to finish on top with seven points.
Hilda Vukikomoala finished second on 5.5 while Sukhu managed third place on five points.
Claudya Koroi and Sughanda Goswami finished on third and fourth spots on five and 4.5 points, respectively.
In the junior grade, Zen Borg took home the top prize on six points.
William Yee followed (5.5), Menash Fareed (5.5), Rudr Prasad (5.5) and Gor Nahapetyan (5).
“It was a very tough field, I’m happy to have found the best moves in all my games,” Prasad said.
“The National Championship is the most prestigious tournament of the chess calendar.
“Everyone is out to claim the title.
“The youngsters put up a very strong challenge. They’ll be amongst the best in a few years.
“My toughest opponents in Manoj Kumar and Stuart Fancy were expected to put up a strong challenge
“I’m glad I came out on top on the day.”
