Fiji Chess Federation

21/07/2026

🌍♟️ Yesterday, we celebrated International Chess Day!

Here's a look back at some of the wonderful chess moments we've shared this month, including a special visit from our international federation, FIDE - International Chess Federation.

A big vinaka to all our members, players, volunteers, supporters and chess friends for being part of the journey and helping our Fiji chess community continue to grow.

Happy International Chess Day! ❤️♟️

05/07/2026

🌏♟️🤝🇫🇯✨

A most pleasant dinner with the executive of the Fiji Chess Federation.

03/07/2026

Attention all our friends in Tuvalu! 🇹🇻 This event is happening this afternoon. Be sure to join in! ♟️

Te P**e ote Fakapotopotooga ote tafaoga kote "Fakatolo ote Lalolagi" (FIDE) tena mmalu Mr. Nigel Short, ite a*o nei, po 3 o Iulai 2026, ne fai tena asiiga fakaaloalo ki tena mmalu te Komisina Maluga o Tuvalu ki Fiji, Dr. Eselealofa Apinelu.

Ite sausautalaaga a laua, tena mmalu Mr. Short e manako ko Tuvalu ke kau atu kite Fakapotopotooga ote tafaoga kote Fakatolo ote Lalolagi. Kote mea ke mafai ne Tuvalu o kau malosi atu ki fakataufaiga o tafaoga Fakatolo ote Lalolagi

Tena mmalu Mr. Short , se tagata Peletania lauiloa ite tafaoga kote Fakatolo ne fakaeke kiei te Toofiga P**e tenei ite tausaga 2022.
Mr. Short ka faimalaga atu ki Tuvalu ite A*o ono po 4 Iulai. Ka nofo aia ite Funafuti Lagoon Hotel . Mr. Short ko kami ne ia sose tino e manako o fepaki mo ia ite tafaoga kote Fakatolo ite taimi e nofo iei aia I Funafuti, Tuvalu.

Koutou kola e fiafia kite tafaoga Fakatolo, kae e manako o tauloto, o atili fakalei atu tena iloa ite tafaoga tenei, ko afe atu la koutou kite Funafuti Lagoon Hotel o fetaui mo Mr. Short , te tagata takutakua ite Lalolagi ite tafaoga kote Fakatolo.
.............................................................

Director of the "International Chess Federation" (FIDE) Meets with High Commissioner of Tuvalu to Fiji.

The Director for Chess Development of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Nigel Short, paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. Eselealofa Apinelu, High Commissioner of Tuvalu to Fiji, on Friday, 3 July 2026.

During the meeting, Mr. Short expressed his hope that Tuvalu would become a member of FIDE in the near future, enabling the country to participate more actively in the global chess community.

Mr. Short, an English Chess Grandmaster, has served as FIDE Director for Chess Development since September 2022.
He will travel to Tuvalu on Saturday, 4 July 2026, and will be staying at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel. Mr. Short warmly invites chess enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in learning the game to meet him for a friendly game of chess on the afternoon of Saturday, 4 July, at the hotel’s lounge

Members of the public are encouraged to take this unique opportunity to meet one of the world’s most accomplished chess personalities and learn more about the game of chess from the grandmaster himself.

03/07/2026

♟️ Today, the Fiji Chess Federation hosted a 20-board simultaneous exhibition at Marist Brothers High School in Suva with Grandmaster Nigel Short.

We sincerely thank Principal Mr Asish Dayal for providing the space and for encouraging chess at the school, and Mr Thomas Nafaere, who oversees the school’s chess sports portfolio, for coordinating this special event.

With the largest school membership in the Fiji Chess Federation, Marist Brothers High School was the perfect venue for this simul. It was great to see so many students take on GM Short and gain valuable experience from the games.

We also thank GM Nigel Short for generously sharing his time and expertise, which continues to support the growth of chess in Fiji.

Fiji Chess Federation General Secretary Kristy Fong said, “School chess is where the future of our game begins. Giving students the chance to play against a Grandmaster is an experience they will remember for years, and we remain committed to creating more opportunities like this as we continue to grow chess across Fiji.” 🇫🇯♟️

03/07/2026

♟️ Menon Construction Limited & Fiji Chess Federation FIDE-Rated Blitz Tournament with GM Nigel Short♟️

The Fiji Chess Federation, together with the generous sponsorship of Menon Construction Limited, hosted a 9-round FIDE-rated Blitz Tournament last night at The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus on 2 July 2026. The event, played with the format of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment, brought together over 40 players in a strong display of competitive chess and community engagement.

🏆 Open Results
🥇 GM Nigel Short – 9/9
🥈 CM Rudr Prasad – 7/9
🥉 Lionel Vaurasi & William Rupinta – 6.5/9

✨Best Female: Latileta Masau (St Joseph’s Secondary School) – 6/9

🎓 Best Primary Schooler: Yanick Khatri (Yat Sen Primary School) – 5.5/9

🎒 Best Secondary Schooler: Rajatha Weerasekara (Jai Narayan College)– 5/9

⭐ A standout performance came from Latileta Masau, who defeated three Candidate Masters and held her own in a strong field of players.

Fiji Chess Federation President Hilda Kunau noted that events like this continue to grow chess in Fiji by giving local players exposure to higher-level competition and strengthening the chess community through regular FIDE-rated events. 🇫🇯♟️

02/07/2026

♟️ An inspiring evening of chess in Suva!

More than 30 chess enthusiasts gathered at The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, on Wednesday, 1 July, for an interactive talanoa session with Grandmaster Nigel Short MBE.

Centred around the theme, “Chess in Small Nations: Building Excellence from Limited Resources," the evening was filled with insightful discussion on developing chess in Fiji and across the Pacific. GM Short also walked participants through fascinating games, sharing his thought process and inviting questions throughout. The opportunity to analyse positions, discuss ideas, and simply talk chess with him made for a truly memorable and engaging experience.

The Fiji Chess Federation extends its sincere thanks to FIDE - International Chess Federation for bringing GM Nigel Short to Fiji and to Menon Construction Limited for generously sponsoring the event. We also thank everyone who attended and contributed to such a vibrant evening of discussion and learning.

Here's to continuing to grow the game of chess in Fiji, and creating more opportunities for players to learn from the very best. ♟️🇫🇯

23/06/2026

♟️ Meet GM Nigel Short MBE in Fiji!♟️

The Fiji Chess Federation is proud to host GM Nigel Short MBE, former World Championship challenger, former World No. 3, and FIDE Director for Chess Development, for an exclusive lecture, meet & greet, and blitz tournament.

These special events are proudly supported by Menon Construction Limited (MCL). The Fiji Chess Federation sincerely thanks MCL for their generous sponsorship and commitment to supporting chess development in Fiji.

🌟 Lecture & Meet & Greet
🗓 Wednesday, 1 July 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Room 019-101 (SPACE Lecture Theatre), USP Laucala Campus
🎤 “Chess in Small Nations: Building Excellence from Limited Resources”
☕ Discussion session and refreshments to follow

⚡ 9-Round Blitz Tournament
🗓 Thursday, 2 July 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Rooms 019-104A & 019-104B, SPACE Building, USP Laucala Campus

🏆 GM Nigel Short became a Grandmaster at 19, challenged Garry Kasparov for the World Chess Championship in 1993, is a three-time British Champion, has defeated 10 World Champions in classical chess, and is the only player in history to have won tournaments on six continents.

🎟 Limited spaces available.
Please RSVP by 10:00 AM on Sunday, 28 June 2026 via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X57CH8Y or using the QR code on the flyer.

Whether you're a beginner, competitive player, coach, parent, or just interested in playing chess, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished figures in international chess.

♟️🇫🇯🏗️