GIANT LEAP … for chess development here
Friday, 26 June 2009
SOLOMON Islands’ participation in the Oceania Chess Championship is a giant leap for chess development in the country.
“Our participation in the Oceania Chess Championship though small and insignificant it may seem regionally, is a giant leap for chess development in Solomon Islands,” the Solomon Islands Chess Federation said.
The tournament has attracted 73 players in the Men’s open category with the Aussies dominating the competition.
National representative Fernando Aguilar is amongst some of the top players in the region, including players from New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Palau.
All are member countries of FIDE- the World Chess Federation, Solomon Islands being the newest member.
After Round 7 of the tournament, Aguilar who was ranked 73 in the tournament had moved 13 places up on 60 with 2.5 points.
The tournament leaders, including a teenager amongst a number of Grand Masters and International Masters, are currently sitting on 6 points.
But Aguilar’s current standing at this level is a big achievement.
Here is the full article.
Nice to see growth from small countries.