VODAFONE FIJI ELEVATES CHESS

Wednesday 21st, December 2022

Vodafone Fiji Limited and the Fiji Chess Federation are coming together for the biggest events of the year, the 2022 National Chess Championship and the 2022 National Blitz Chess Championship with a total prize pool of $3,000. The first of the events is scheduled to be held at Fiji Olympic House (FASANOC) in Suva from December 17-21.

Vodafone Fiji's Chief Commercial Officer, Ronald Prasad, said "our passion for the Vanua and its people is reflected in our commitment to sports, community, women and youth-oriented partnerships and philanthropic initiatives throughout the country. Our partnership today with Fiji Chess empowers chess enthusiasts to demonstrate their skills on a competitive platform through the two tournaments.”

The 2022 National Chess Championship will be played in under 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move format, whereby writing of moves will be compulsory for all players. The 5-day event will be attracting a volley of ex-National reps like Candidate Master (CM) Manoj Kumar, CM Ronald Terubea, Prashil Prakash, Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu, Prashant Sarup, Provisional WCM Cydel Terubea, Provisional WCM Tanvi Prasad, Provisional FIDE Master (FM) Rudr Prasad and reigning National Champion, CM Taione Sikivou.

“Fiji Chess Federation is elated and thankful for the kind support from Vodafone Fiji towards our humble sport,” adds General Secretary Goru Arvind. “After 2020 and 2021 which were very difficult years in sporting lockdown, we are glad to collaborate with one of the biggest brands in Fiji to host National Championships in two different formats.”

Other players who will be competing are Akash Sarup, Yash Maharaj from The University of the South Pacific (USP), and upcoming Under-18 players like Austin Koroi, Arnav Lal, Ayush Chand, Phillip Sukhu and Andrew Sukhu.

Prasad added that “through our support, Fiji Chess Federation will provide participants with an enjoyable experience through new ideas and surprises throughout the five days”.

“The tournament is open to everyone who is capable of playing a decent level of chess and prizes will be available in various categories like Open, Women, Primary School and Secondary School,” adds Goru Arvind.

“Our team will also look at new players who will come to compete since the 44th World Chess Olympiad included 5 chess players without international exposure that did quite well without much training. The Nationals are a way to re-connect with our existing pool of players, and recognize new talent for further development.”

“The tournaments provide an opportunity for all chess lovers to play, as well as opening the door for competitions among talented masters and spreading the culture of the game throughout the nation with the opportunity to represent our country on an international platform”, added Prasad.

The winners for Open and Women will be invited to represent Fiji at the 2023 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in Melbourne, Australia from 23-28 January, where the organizers are providing free entry fees and accommodation.

All interested players for the 2022 National Chess Championship must report to the Fiji Olympic House (FASANOC) in Suva by 08:00 AM on Saturday 17 December. The entry fee is $ 20.00 for adults and $ 10.00 for Under-18.