Fiji’s Online Chess Team has made a remarkable impact in the ongoing 2025 Global Chess League by winning their first three matches, showcasing their skill on an international platform. The league, hosted by Peter Hornsby from the United Kingdom, features 77 chess clubs from diverse countries, including England, Poland, China, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand, thereby reinforcing the competitive nature of the event.
The Fiji team began their journey with a thrilling victory against Hawaii Chess Club, concluding the match with a score of 5.5–4.5. Candidate Master (CM) Taione Sikivou delivered a standout performance on Board 1, overpowering Igor Dmitriev 1.5–0.5. CM Ronald Terubea mirrored this success by winning against Chad Badgett with the same score. Despite a setback on Board 2, the team’s resilience shone through, as Board 4’s CM Goru Arvind managed a valuable draw, and Board 5’s Yash Krishen Maharaj clinched the win with a similar score against Hadriel Goo.
Fiji’s second match saw them face the Chess Heroes Juniors from South Africa, where Board 1 Captain Avinesh Nadan dominated the board with a decisive 2–0 victory over Vicent Crone. The trio of Maharaj on Board 2 and Arvind on Board 3 further solidified the team’s performance, resulting in a 5.5–2.5 win despite being a player short.
The triumph continued as Fiji defeated Chongqing Mystyland Locust from China with a final score of 5–3. Highlights of this match included Maharaj’s impressive victory against Yanbo He and Ryan Lyons’ strong play against Tianli Zhang, both winning their boards 2–0.
With these three consecutive victories, Fiji has reached the top of the tournament standings, providing a solid foundation as they prepare for tougher matches ahead. The team’s performance exemplifies not only individual talent but also the strength of teamwork, which will be essential in maintaining their winning streak in the league.
This chapter in Fiji’s chess history not only emphasizes the nation’s growing prowess in international chess but also revitalizes hope for continued success as they progress through the tournament. The dedication and skill demonstrated by Team Fiji reflect their commitment to excellence in the sport.
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