Fiji Times - 01/02/10

SAINT JOSEPH'S Secondary School's fourth former Hilda Vukikomoala is Fiji Chess Federation's most improved player for 2009.

The Lakeba, Lau lass was honoured with the President's Award after Saturday's annual general meeting in Suva.

Vukikomoala is a former primary schools champion and made her national debut in the Oceania Zonal Championship in Adelaide, Australia last year.

"I feel very happy and proud to win this award," she said.

"Everything about playing chess is special. It's an interesting game and I hope to get better as a player this year.

"My aim is to make the national team again for this year's Oceania Zonal Championship in New Zealand," Vukikomoala said.

She was introduced to the sport by her elder brother Wayne Areki, who is a national rep as well.

"I've been playing chess since I was in Class Two. My brother taught me how to play," she said.

FCF president Dr Virgilio De Asa said she earned the right to be in the Fiji team after beating veteran player Gloria Suk-hu in the National Wom-en's Championship last year.

"She's a good player and is very committed to the game," he said.

"The President's Award is presented to a player who has proved to be consistent throughout the year. It's to encourage and recognise the potential of young players like her and is also an incentive to help them aspire for more.

"Our top players like Manoj Kumar and Calvin Prasad, they also received the same award when they started playing and Hilda has a lot of potential to be among the best players in future."

In a boost for young players like Hilda, Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF) was announced as the new sponsor for FCF's Junior National Championship. Dr De Asa confirmed a five-year deal with $1000 in annual funding.

"This sponsorship is good news for our junior boys and girls who are playing in the Under-20, U-18 and U-12 competitions," he said.