The 18th Kundan Singh Open was held on Sunday 15th February 2009 at the Fiji Olympic House in Suva. This tournamnent witnessed 25 participants which indicated a healthy continuation for the Fiji Chess Federation especially this being the first event of the year. The event for the first time was held in a 2 category (major and minor) format.

Defending champion CM Manoj Kumar won the major category with 4/5 points ahead of Neel Arora who was the runner up followed by CM Calvin Prasad third with 3.5/5 points.


In the minor category Gloria Sukhu took out the gold with an undefeated performance recording 5 straight wins. Good improvements were shown by many new and continuing players and the national Junior Development Squad kicked of its year with a promising outing.



Kundan Singh Managing Director Baljeet Singh was pleased with the event adding that the partnership between the shopping giants and Fiji Chess Federation is to continue with a bigger and better tournament next year. "Our support for the continuous promotion of chess will continue" he added.