Fiji Times - 23/02/10

CALVIN Prasad took out the 19th Kundan Singh Open Chess Championship on Sunday at the Fiji Olympic House.

Prasad finished unbeaten with 4.5points in the 12-player elite category following four wins and a draw.

He started with three convincing wins and had the championship title all but wrapped up by toppling fellow candidate master Manoj Kumar in round four.

Prasad kept his cool and battled to a draw against fellow championship title contender Goru Arvind, who needed to win the final round clash to force a three-way tie at the top of the standing with Prasad and Kumar.

Defending champion Kumar finished second with four points while Arvind settled for third with 3.5points.

Tournament director Dr Jashint Maharaj said Sunday's championship was a success as it attracted a record turnout of 40 players.

"The Kundan Singh Open was a great starter event for the Fiji Chess Federation 2010 season," he said.

"We had to arrange for extra chess boards to be brought in because there were 28 players taking part in the premier grade.

"Hopefully we continue having a similar turnout throughout the year."

He said Yankee John Caldeira, who resides in Rakiraki travelled all the way from the west to take part in the championship.

In the premier division, University of the South Pacific student Rajiv Raj from Labasa secu-red first place with maximum five points.

Hilda Vukikomoala won the female category. Wan You Lan of Yat Sen took out the secondary schools title while Esha Raicar reigned in the primary schools division.

FCF president Dr Virgilio De Asa was pleased with the turnout and impressed by the junior players. He thanked the sponsors for their continued support.

Up next in the FCF calendar is the National Women's Champ-ionship to be played concurrently with the Brij Lal Open on March 20.