Top seed Candidate Master (CM) Manoj Kumar was held off to a draw by Provisional CM Taione Sikivou, however, he managed to put the title to his name after he attained a higher tie-break.

This was the final round of the Vodafone Fiji Chess Championship which was held at the FASANOC Olympic House.

Both players had ended with 4.5/5.

The duo were followed by CM Goru Arvind, CM Ronald Terubea and CM Noel Adricula, all tied at 4/5 to finish third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Looking at the female division, Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Gloria Sukhu won by scoring 3/5,

Tournament Director Hilda Vukikomoala has thanked Vodafone Fiji for recognizing chess as a growing sport in Fiji.

She says new players are continuing to show their interest in the sport.