Fiji’s Open Chess Team recorded an additional victory against Saint Vincent and & The Grenadines as the 44th World Chess Olympiad progressed further at Chennai, India fielding over 2200 of the world’s most talented chess players from 188 countries.

Consisting of five international debutantes who never played chess in Olympiads, the Fiji Open Team found form when Board 2 Avinesh Nadan steamrolled over the defense of Brian S Cottle, Board 3 Candidate Master (CM) Ronald Terubea accurately played his endgame to beat Ugur Mentes and Board 4 17-year old Rudr Prasad continued his winning streak by defeating James U Schnieder with fiery tactics.

Fiji Open beat Saint Vincent & the Grenadines 3 – 1.

“Despite having only a few weekends to train for the World Chess Olympiad, Fiji’s new Open Team has managed well to find form in the event,” states Open Team Captain Goru Arvind.

“There were some initial nerves about playing chess at this level, but I am happy to report that Prashant, Avinesh, Ronald, Rudr and Prashil have potential to evolve into solid National reps who can steer Team Fiji in the future.”

Board 4 Rudr Prasad of Jai Narayan College is on track to achieve a 65% win ratio to earn a Provisional FIDE Master (FM) title in the tournament.

Fiji’s Women’s team is also performing respectfully with Board 3 Cydel Kabrina Terubea and Board 4 15-year old Tanvi Prasad of Jai Narayan College in a good position to earn Provisional Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) titles.

“If things go as planned, then Team Fiji may have three new internationally titled players at the end of the 44th World Chess Olympiad,” adds Goru Arvind. “We did expect our youngsters to have fun and also register some very good wins along the way, and thank God that it really did happen!”

Team Fiji remains in high spirits and hopes to return home with further positive results before wrapping up in India.

The next World Chess Olympiad is tentatively scheduled at Budapest in Hungary for 2024, where Fiji will consider activating veterans like CM Manoj Kumar and CM Taione Sikivou to complement newfound talent in this year’s Olympiad.

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