Team Fiji achieved significant success at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, by defeating teams from Mauritius, Antigua and Barbuda, and Bahrain. This collective effort also led to the nation securing a Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title. 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 FIDE – the International Chess Federation, earning titles of National Instructor (NI, Open) and Development Instructor (DI, Women), while the Head of Delegation gained a FIDE Instructor (FI) title.
In their match against Mauritius, the Women’s Team saw Board 1 WCM Gloria Sukhu draw with WCM Chetanah Andhin, Board 2 WCM Cydel Terubea also drew with WCM Meritza Acham, Board 3 saw Tanvi Prasad from Jai Narayan College defeat Preetisha Devi Gundadoo, and Makayla Sukhu, a 17-year-old from Suva Grammar School, triumphed over WCM Aamirah Beekhy. The final score was 3-1 in favor of Fiji Women.
Team Fiji received sponsorship from FIDE, the Fiji National Sports Commission, and Vodafone Fiji, which supported their professional attire during the championship featuring top chess players from over 190 countries.
“It was a very challenging Olympiad for all our players,” said CM Goru Arvind. “Like all sports at the international level, we had tough days along with winning days, but in the end, our teamwork brought home some commendable results and a WCM title. The most important lesson from sports is to remain patient and never give up.”
The Fiji Open Team experienced a clean sweep against Antigua and Barbuda with a 4-0 victory. Board 1 CM Manoj Kumar forced resignation from Joshua Solomon, Board 2 CM Rudr Prasad won against Bailey Matthew, Board 3 Yash Krishen Maharaj defeated Abner Farquar, and Board 4 Prashil Prakash won against Jonathan Solomon.
In their match against Bahrain, the Fiji Women’s Team excelled with Board 1 Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) Kieran Lyons defeating Najla Ahmed, Board 2 WCM Cydel Terubea outplaying Maram Almusawi, and Board 3 Tanvi Prasad holding Hawra Sharaf to a draw, resulting in a 2.5-1.5 victory.
“We are pleased to report that Makayla Sukhu achieved 3.5/7 for her WCM title, proving to be the youngest member of the team in her Olympiad debut,” CM Goru Arvind stated. He also praised Captain William Bennion for maintaining the girls’ winning form throughout the tournament. In Round 1, CM Rudr Prasad made history by recording Fiji’s second Olympiad draw against an Irish Grandmaster.
In addition to their wins, WCM Tanvi Prasad drew with Gabriella S. Vera Perez of Puerto Rico, WCM Cydel Terubea secured a victory over Maissiri Carole Danwe of Cameroon, and Makayla Sukhu achieved a draw with Lucrece Wefang of Cameroon to solidify her WCM title.
The Fiji Open Team also had notable results, as Yash Krishen Maharaj drew with Max Baron Nitzborn of Namibia, CM Rudr Prasad drew with Khaled Abdellahi Abdellahi of Mauritania, and CM Manoj Kumar drew with Nicola D’marico of San Marino and CM Moulaye Ibrahim Hemam of Mauritania. Yash Krishen Maharaj made headlines by recording one of the fastest Open Category victories of the Olympiad in just nine moves against Abner Farquar.
After a lengthy 45-hour journey that included stops in China and Japan, Team Fiji returned home safely to Nadi International Airport.