Candidate Manoj Kumar has successfully defended his title at the 36th FMF Fiji National Chess Championship in Suva on Sunday.
The dramatic grand final saw Kumar defeat arch‑rival Candidate Master Calvin Prasad after two rapid games.
Kumar and Prasad are Fiji’s highest rated players and have dominated the national championships for many years, being the only players to claim the prestigious title over the past 14 years.
Meanwhile, 17‑year‑old newcomer Joshua Rewin was crowned the Fiji National Junior Champion.
The eight finalists form the core of the Fiji National Training squad for the Chess Olympiad in Georgia next year.
