The 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Rapid Chess Championship, held at The University of Fiji in Lautoka, was an electrifying event, showcasing the remarkable talents of Candidate Masters Taione Sikivou and Rudr Prasad from The University of the South Pacific.
Both players demonstrated their exceptional chess skills by finishing in first and second place respectively, each achieving an impressive unbeaten score of 8.5/9.
The final was fiercely contested, with CM Taione Sikivou ultimately emerging victorious as the overall champion after defeating CM Rudr Prasad in an extended play-off featuring blitz games with under 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move.
Yash Krishen Maharaj, also from The University of the South Pacific, secured third place with a score of 7/9. FIDE Arena CM Prashil Prakash and Deepak Prasad claimed fourth and fifth positions, each scoring 6/9.
In the National Women’s Rapid Championship, Useli Herath from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School clinched the top spot with a score of 6/7. Pritha Ram of Korovuto College followed in second place with 5/7.
Milina Senikuva from Natabua High School finished third with 4/7, while Tanmayee Naiker from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School and Catherine Talemaitoga from Natabua Primary School secured fourth and fifth places respectively.
Goru Arvind, the general secretary, expressed his gratitude to The University of Fiji and Vodafone Fiji for their generous support in hosting the championship. He also highlighted the growing anticipation for the upcoming 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Team’s Chess Championship, scheduled for August.