Duo dominate

THE 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Rapid Chess Championship held at The University of Fiji in Lautoka was a thrilling event dominated by Candidate Masters Taione Sikivou and Rudr Prasad from The University of the South PaciƝc.

These two players showcased their mastery of the game by Ɲnishing in Ɲrst and second place, both with an impressive unbeaten score of 8.5/9.

In a closely contested Ɲnal, CM Taione Sikivou emerged as the overall champion after defeating CM Rudr Prasad in an extended play-off with under 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move blitz games.

Yash Krishen Maharaj from The University of the South PaciƝc secured the third position with a score of 7/9, while FIDE Arena CM Prashil Prakash and Deepak Prasad claimed the fourth and Ɲfth prizes with 6/9 each.

The National Women's Rapid Championship saw Useli Herath of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School emerge as the champion with a score of 6/7, followed by Pritha Ram of Korovuto College in second place with 5/7.

Milina Senikuva of Natabua High School Ɲnished third with 4/7, while Tanmayee Naiker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School and Catherine Talemaitoga of Natabua Primary School took the fourth and Ɲfth positions.

Goru Arvind, the general secretary, expressed gratitude to The University of Fiji and Vodafone Fiji for their support in hosting the championship.

He also mentioned the growing excitement for the upcoming 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Team's Chess Championship scheduled for August.

Players showcased their mastery of the game, with an impressive unbeaten score of 8.5/9 – Fiji Chess