Team Fiji achieved victories against Mauritius, Antigua and Barbuda, and Bahrain, which also earned the nation a Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary. The team was guided by Head of Delegation Candidate Master (CM) Taione Sikivou, Open Captain CM Goru Arvind, and Women’s Captain William Robert Raymond Bennion.
Both captains completed an online course provided by the FIDE – International Chess Federation, which allowed them to gain their titles as National Instructor (NI, Open) and Development Instructor (DI, Women). The Head of Delegation was awarded a FIDE Instructor (FI) title.
In their match against Mauritius, the Women’s Team secured a 3-1 win. WCM Gloria Sukhu drew her game against WCM Chetanah Andhin on Board 1, while WCM Cydel Terubea drew with WCM Meritza Acham on Board 2. Tanvi Prasad from Jai Narayan College won her match against Preetisha Devi Gundadoo on Board 3, and 17-year-old Makayla Sukhu of Suva Grammar School defeated WCM Aamirah Beekhy.
The Fiji Women’s Team triumphed again, beating Bahrain 2.5-1.5, with Board 1 Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) Kieran Lyons winning against Najla Ahmed, WCM Cydel Terubea overcoming Maram Almusawi, and Tanvi Prasad achieving a draw with Hawra Sharaf.
The Fiji Open Team also performed well, winning all four matches against Antigua and Barbuda with a flawless 4-0 score. Board 1 CM Manoj Kumar forced a resignation from Joshua Solomon, CM Rudr Prasad claimed victory against Bailey Matthew, Yash Krishen Maharaj defeated Abner Farquar, and Prashil Prakash won against Jonathan Solomon.
CM Goru Arvind remarked on the challenges faced by the team during the Olympiad, noting the importance of teamwork and perseverance. He praised Makayla Sukhu for earning 3.5/7 points for her WCM title in her debut Olympiad, crediting Captain William Bennion for guiding the team.
Other notable performances included WCM Tanvi Prasad’s draw with Gabriella S. Vera Perez of Puerto Rico and WCM Cydel Terubea’s win against Maissiri Carole Danwe of Cameroon, helping secure her teammate’s WCM title. For the Fiji Open Team, Yash Krishen Maharaj stood out by achieving one of the fastest victories of the Olympiad in just nine moves.
Team Fiji has returned home safely after a long journey that took them from Budapest through China and Japan to Nadi International Airport.