Fiji Times - 17/02/10

TOP chess contender Calvin Prasad is upbeat to win the 19th Kundan Singh Open Chess championship for the first time after three years on Sunday.

Prasad will face the challenge from defending champion Manoj Kumar, veteran Gloria Sukhu and Aditi Sharan.

Kumar is favoured to defend his title, however, Prasad said he wanted to start the season on a high note.

"I want to start the season on a winning note. I know it will be tough because Manoj (Kumar) is a very experienced player. He's been playing for a very long time so definitely he'll be tough."

He said Kumar was a very composed player who stayed very clam under intense pressure.

Prasad beat the national champion (Kumar) three times last season while Kumar beat him only once.

He said he would do his best on competition day to start the season with a bang. "I'm looking forward to this tournament. I've been training very well with some other players for the past two weeks.

"I haven't won this tournament again for the past three years and I'm determined for this one. I'll give my best and hopefully come out with a positive result at the end of the day."

He added that it would be very important for him to compile his points from the beginning of season.

Prasad said he wanted to book his spot to the Oceania qualifier in New Zealand next year.

The chess competition starts at 8:30am at the FASANOC House on Sunday.