Fiji Times - 17/03/11

CANDIDATE Master (CM) Manoj Kumar (pictured left) is the top contender for the elite title in this Sunday's 28th Brijlal Open Chess Championship at the Pasifika Campus in Toorak. However, the current national champion is expected to face a mammoth task in retaining his crown against the likes of Doctor Neel Arora, Calvin Prasad and Noel Adricula.

Fiji Chess Federation (FCF) general secretary Krishneel Nair said Kumar brings with him a lot of experience from the numerous international events.

"This event is the second Grand Prix rated event of 2011. Kumar, having an outright win in the first open event last month, is hopeful of repeating the scores," he said.

Nair said apart from the elite competition, there will be various other prizes including women, beginners, primary and secondary schools and amateurs - with a best-upset prize and the best newcomer.

"The Brijlal-Fiji Chess relation stretches over 28 years and shows the commitment to the sport," Nair said.

"Brijlal & Company Ltd is one of the longest serving and committed supported in the promotion and sponsorship of chess in Fiji over the past decades and this year marks a milestone in their continued effort to develop chess as a sport in Fiji. We are very grateful to them as a sponsor."

With a very busy chess calendar for 2011 and Grand Prix points at stake, the FCF is looking forward to a tough battle this weekend.