The first round saw CM Manoj Kumar held to a dramatic draw by Ravinesh Singh. This game set the tone for the tournament where the games were intense and fiercely contested. As a determined player, Singh proved that he is not to be reckoned with. Defending Champion CM Calvin Prasad was unable to make it to the event due to personal reasons.

 

 
After 5 rounds Manoj Kumar showed that he was a deserving winner when he ended the event on 3.5/5 points to claim the championship title outright. Noel Adricula and Neel Arora were tied for 2nd with 3/5 points but Dr Neel Arora claimed the second spot having a win over Noel.

 

"Basically i struggled because i blundered and almost lost in two games but luckily managed to draw." stated the eight time national Champion CM Manoj Kumar "I had three draws and two wins. I was struggling with my form in this tournament because i haven't played any games after the Oceania Zonal, which was a month ago." 
 
Veteran Seru Sisirociri, who showed that age is no barrier took out the minor division with a perfect score of 6/6. USP student Rajiv Raj came in second after his win over Krishneel Nair in the last Round. Nair finished on 3rd overall with a slightly better tie-break.

 

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School Student Pramisesh Premadish took out the best Secondary school student. In the females Category, Hilda Vukikomoala claimed the spot, whereas 8yr old Jacky Masilomani was awarded the most improved player for the day.

 

The Fiji Chess Federation President, Dr De Asa was really impressed with the turn out of the day and the intensity of the competition. He then announced that in the year 2012 there will be two more Presidential awards along with the Presidents trophy for the most improved player. These two awards will go to the Player of the year together with the best junior of the year based on the performance in 2011. The two awards will be on going.

 

The Fiji Chess Federation will be conducting Sunday Chess starting on the 27th of February, from 10 am to 1 pm, at the Pasifika Campus, School of Medicine, FNU. Here players of all strengths can come and play as well as there will be coaching sessions for the Begginers and those who are willing to learn.
 
The FCF was greatly impressed with the level of play and turnout for the event and looked ahead to a bright chessing year. The next FCF event will be the Brijlal Open on the 20th March, 2011 at the same venue.