Candidate Master (CM) Rudr Prasad has added another title to his impressive career by winning the 2024 Vodafone Fiji July Rapid Chess tournament. The University of the South Pacific student faced stiff competition from CM Manoj Kumar but ultimately emerged victorious, both scoring 6 out of 7 points.
CM Taione Sikivou secured third place, defeating CM Ronald Terubea based on a better tie-break, as both had a score of 5.5 out of 7. Yash Krishen Maharaj finished fifth with a score of 5 out of 7.
In the women’s category, Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu narrowly defeated Latileta Masau from Dudley Intermediate School for the second position, also relying on a higher tie-break, with both scoring 4 out of 7. Useli Herath and Tanmayee Naicker tied for third and fourth place, each scoring 3 out of 7, with tie-breaks determining their positions.
Nikhil Chand and Shristi Sinha from Fiji National University received the awards for best male newcomer and best female newcomer, respectively, after performing well in their first Fiji Chess Federation event. Zayne Keshwan from Jai Narayan College earned the best upset award for defeating CM Goru Arvind, while unrated Kartik Chandra from USP was recognized for his victory over Masau.
The next significant event on the schedule is the 2024 National School Teams Chess Championship, set to take place in Suva.