National Champion CM Manoj Kumar is out defend his title at the 19th Kundan Singh Open Chess Championships to be held on Sunday 21st February 2010 in Suva.

Schoolteacher Kumar has confirmed participation in the tournament where he anticipates several challenges in his path to reclaim the title. CM Calvin Prasad will lead the other contenders along with Dr Neel Arora and Goru Arvind.

 Womens Oceania rep Hilda Areki will be out to conquer the Womens category and is expected will face a tough challenge from veteran Gloria Sukhu and Aditi Sharan.

Fiji Chess Federation president Dr Virgilio de Asa said that the tournament has continuously attracted an increasing number of participants each year and hence has helped enormously in the growth and advancement of chess in this country.

 "Kundan Singh's continuous support over the past 19 years has set many benchmarks for development and promotion of chess as a sport in Fiji. Many new and emerging players are often identified in the tournament," he said.

 Other categories will see Wayne Areki, Rodney Sharma and Patrick Prasad fighting for the primary/secondary school title, while Gaurav Raicar is hopeful of retaining his amateur title.

Organizers are expecting a large turnout for the first major chess event of 2010.

FCF Assistant General Secretary Gaurav Raicar mentioned that many new and talented players are expected to be seen emerging from this grand event and with a lot of cash prizes and grand prix points at stake, a tough battle ground is expected.

 The tournament will be held this Sunday at the Fiji Olympic House in Flagstaff with registration starting at 8am, and the first round is to be scheduled at 8.30am.