After three intense rounds of the Fiji National Chess Championship, five players remain unbeaten, all achieving a perfect score of 3/3. Veteran Candidate Master Manoj Kumar currently leads the standings based on tie-breaks, followed closely by Yash Krishen Maharaj, WCM Tanvi Prasad, Rajaritha Weerasekara, and CM Rudr Prasad.
This championship, sponsored by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), has successfully attracted some of the best and most promising chess talents in the country into nine rounds of competition. Kumar, recognized as one of Fiji’s most experienced players, showcased impeccable control on the board, securing his third consecutive victory, which gives him the advantage on tie-breaks.
WCM Tanvi Prasad is also making headlines as she tops the female division, demonstrating strong performance against fierce competition. Kristy Fong, the tournament organizer and General Secretary of the Fiji Chess Federation, expressed her satisfaction with the high level of gameplay seen so far. “It’s fantastic to witness both new and seasoned players performing so well early in the tournament,” Fong remarked. “The atmosphere is competitive yet supportive, and with six rounds still ahead, the competition remains wide open.”
In the context of expanding participation, the growth of women and youth players at this year’s championship is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a bright future for chess in Fiji. As players continue to compete fiercely for the national title, the championship promises to deliver exciting matches in the coming weeks.
The FWCC Fiji National Chess Championship will conclude next Sunday, October 12, after a total of nine rounds, and with the current standings, anticipation builds for who will claim the championship title.