Fiji’s rising chess talent has made a notable impact in the 2024-2025 Global Chess League season, finishing 27th out of 77 international clubs. The team delivered impressive performances, securing victories over clubs from the UK, China, South Africa, and Hawaii, while also experimenting with new talents.
In a statement, volunteer official Goru Arvind emphasized the importance of introducing younger players like Lionel Vaurasi of Yat Sen Primary School and Aarush Ahalawat of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School to international competition. He stated, “Exposing our younger players to international opponents is part of our long-term plan to contribute to their confidence and learning curve.”
One of the highlights of the season was a remarkable 5.5-2.5 victory over the higher-ranked North Staff Knights from the UK. Captain Avinesh Nadan led the way with a decisive win on Board 1 against Harry Gardiner. Team members Yash Krishen Maharaj, CM Rudr Prasad, and CM Goru Arvind also contributed to the team’s success.
Team Fiji displayed resilience against China’s Shenzhen Pengcheng Chess Club, managing to recover from an early disadvantage with strong performances by CM Ronald Terubea and CM Rudr Prasad, ultimately concluding the match in a 2-2 draw. However, the season finished with a challenging 1.5-8.5 loss to the Philippines Finest, which had a Grandmaster on their team.
Arvind highlighted the advantages of online chess, noting that it provides opportunities to compete internationally without the need for travel. The league, an online favorite hosted by Peter Hornsby from England, featured clubs from over 30 countries, including China, Serbia, and Mexico. Fiji’s matches attracted significant attention, garnering over 137,000 online views with live commentary.
This growing engagement in chess reflects not only the team’s skill but also a promising future for the sport in Fiji, as the involvement of younger players suggests a commitment to nurturing talent for upcoming challenges and competitions.
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