Chess players chance look bright
FIJI stands to compete against some of the best in world chess in the near future if it continues to improve at the international front.
Fiji is part of the 195 countries which are affiliated to the International Chess Federationand (FIDE) and is registered in Zone 3.6 or the Oceania Zone. The zone includes Solomon Islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Guam, Nauru and Palau.
The last Oceania zonal tournament was hosted by NZ in March. It was won by Temur Kuybokarov of Australia.
Kuybokarov had a chance to represent the Oceania in the World Cup Chess 2021, but withdrew because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Elmer Prudente of Guam represented Zone 3.6 and the FIDE World Cup Chess 2021 was won by grandmaster Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Sochi,” said former Fiji Chess Federation secretary Krishneel Nair.
He said Fiji representative Taione Sikivou finished fifth overall in the Oceania zonal event.
“He could not make it to the world cup. The winner of the world cup got a chance to play the candidates and the winner of the candidates challenged the world champion.
“Magnus Carlsen won and defended the world title for the fifth consecutive time. In a 14-round event, Carlsen won the title in the 11th game, with three games to spare, having a score of 7.5 - 3.5. At the classic world chess championship, Carlsen has not lost a single game in 27 consecutive rounds. The last time he lost a game was during the 2016 WCC round 8.”
FORMER Fiji FA vice president Doctor Hari Krishna Kewal was elected as an honorary member of the Fiji Football Association during its 83rd Ordinary Congress last week at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel at Lautoka.
Dr Kewal said he was happy to be recognised for his service to football.
“I feel honoured that at least my effort throughout the years have been recognised as a form of being elected as an honorary member,” said Dr Kewal.
“I have given a very sincere and faithful service to Fiji Football for 22 years. During my time, I served as a senior vice-president for some years and as the acting president for some time in absence of the president,”
Kewal said he had served as chairman of all the sub-committees of Fiji Football.
“I was the manager for the national team in the inaugural tour of California and won the major trophy.
“I also managed the national team that won the Melanesian Cup for the first time in Fiji and the national youth team for the Oceania play-off.
“I also served as president, vice-president and manager of Nadi FA for so many years.”
The Nadi dentist said it was an honour and privilege to be part Fiji FA and the football family for so many years.
“I had the privilege to work under three presidents of Fiji. I am thankful for their guidance and all the former and current district officials for their support,” said former Marist Primary School player.
He thanked his family for their support in his life in football.
“No one can take Dr Kewal out from football and no one can take football out from Kewal. Football is my passion, “concluded Kewal
Dr Kewal received 97 per cent of the votes from the council members of Fiji FA.