Fiji Times - August 23rd, 2009

RAVI Bhavsar of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School took out top honours in the 2009 Fiji Chess Federation National Jun-ior Championship at the Fiji Olympic House yesterday.

The seventh former finished with 4.5 points after four wins and a draw against Gaurav Raicar.

Rajiv Raj of Labasa College, the lone participant from the North, stunned officials of Fiji Chess Federation (FCF) with a second-placed finish in his first outing.

He finished with four points while Wayne Areki of Marist Brothers High School settled for third with 3.5 points.

Hilda Vukikomoala of St Joseph Secondary School won the female grade with 3.5 points.

Uma Kumar of MGM was second with three points and Gospel High School's Ami Bale was third with 2.5 points.

Rodney Sharma of Indian College won the U16 grade, Martin Feus-sner of Rishikul Primary School is the new U14 championship and Antlu Kado of Stella Maris reigned in the U12 grade.

FCF president Dr Virgilio De Asa said 30 competitors from 10 schools took part.

"It was a good turnout," he said.

"About 20 players were rewarded with chess books, cash, trophies and chess sets."

"We had one player from the North and he didn't disappoint. He showed there is potential for the sport in Labasa."