The 2024 Vodafone Fiji National Rapid Chess Championship, held at The University of Fiji in Lautoka, showcased a stellar performance by Candidate Masters Taione Sikivou and Rudr Prasad from The University of the South Pacific.
Both players demonstrated exceptional skill, finishing in first and second place with an unbeaten score of 8.5/9 each.
In the final, CM Taione Sikivou triumphed over CM Rudr Prasad in an intense play-off featuring blitz games with under 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move, securing the overall championship title.
Yash Krishen Maharaj from The University of the South Pacific secured third place with a score of 7/9, while FIDE Arena CM Prashil Prakash and Deepak Prasad finished fourth and fifth, respectively, both scoring 6/9.
In the National Women’s Rapid Championship, Useli Herath from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School emerged victorious with a score of 6/7. Pritha Ram of Korovuto College claimed second place with 5/7.
Milina Senikuva from Natabua High School took third place with 4/7, while Tanmayee Naiker of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School and Catherine Talemaitoga of Natabua Primary School finished in the fourth and fifth positions.
General Secretary Goru Arvind expressed gratitude to The University of Fiji and Vodafone Fiji for their support in hosting the championship.
He also highlighted the growing excitement for the upcoming 2024 Vodafone Fiji National School Team’s Chess Championship scheduled for August.