Team Fiji achieved a significant victory at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, by winning against Mauritius, Antigua and Barbuda, and Bahrain. This success also earned the nation a Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title. The team was led 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 organized by the FIDE – International Chess Federation, obtaining their titles as National Instructor (NI, Open) and Development Instructor (DI, Women), while the Head of Delegation was awarded the title of FIDE Instructor (FI).
In their match against Mauritius, the Women’s Team had standout performances with Board 1 WCM Gloria Sukhu drawing with WCM Chetanah Andhin, Board 2 WCM Cydel Terubea drawing with WCM Meritza Acham, Board 3 Tanvi Prasad defeating Preetisha Devi Gundadoo, and 17-year-old Makayla Sukhu overcoming WCM Aamirah Beekhy, leading to a 3-1 victory for Fiji.
Team Fiji received support from FIDE, the Fiji National Sports Commission, and Vodafone Fiji for their attire during the championship, which showcased top chess players from over 190 countries.
“It was a very challenging Olympiad for all our players,” remarked CM Goru Arvind. “Like all sports at the international level, we faced tough days and winning days. Ultimately, our teamwork delivered respectable results and a WCM title. The biggest lesson we take from sports is the importance of patience and perseverance.”
The Fiji Open Team achieved a clean sweep against Antigua and Barbuda with a 4-0 score, highlighted by CM Manoj Kumar’s win against Joshua Solomon and successful matches for the rest of the team.
In another match, the Fiji Women’s Team triumphed over Bahrain with a score of 2.5-1.5, with WFM Kieran Lyons, WCM Cydel Terubea, and a draw from Tanvi Prasad contributing to their victory.
“Notably, Makayla Sukhu earned 3.5/7 for her WCM title, impressively achieving this in her first Olympiad,” added Goru Arvind. “I commend the efforts of Captain William Bennion for keeping the girls in good form throughout the tournament. Additionally, CM Rudr Prasad secured Fiji’s second draw against a Grandmaster from Ireland in Round 1.”
In other results, WCM Tanvi Prasad drew with Gabriella S. Vera Perez of Puerto Rico, WCM Cydel Terubea defeated Maissiri Carole Danwe of Cameroon, and Makayla Sukhu also drew with Lucrece Wefang from Cameroon.
For the Fiji Open Team, Yash Krishen Maharaj recorded a quick win in just nine moves against Abner Farquar of Antigua and Barbuda, one of the fastest victories of the Olympiad.
After the competition, Team Fiji returned home safely following a lengthy 45-hour journey that took them from Budapest, Hungary, with stops in China and Japan before arriving at Nadi International Airport.