BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Three teams are locked at the top of the standings after the opening day of the Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026, with the tournament set to continue on Sunday following an exciting start in Honiara.
The championship, held at the Outback Holiday Resort in Rove as part of the Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence celebrations, attracted 120 players from across Honiara and beyond in what organisers described as one of the country’s most anticipated chess tournaments.
Speaking to Island Sun, Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) General Secretary Temenga Angiki said the competition was intense throughout the day.
He said King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings are currently tied on four points, leaving the three teams sharing the lead heading into Round Five, which will be played on Sunday.
“The competition has been very competitive, and after four rounds we have three teams tied on four points. King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings are all level at the top, so Sunday’s fifth round will be very important,” Angiki said.
He said Sunday’s venue is yet to be confirmed, with organisers expected to announce the location before competition resumes.
Angiki, who is also competing in the championship as a member of Tematangi Kings, said the strong turnout reflects the growing interest in chess in the Solomon Islands and the commitment of players to the sport.
He said the tournament has brought together players of different ages and experience levels, created a competitive environment while promoted sportsmanship and fellowship among participants.
The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 was organised by the Solomon Islands Chess Federation as part of the country’s 48th Independence celebrations.
In the lead-up to the tournament, the federation announced a total prize pool of SBD13,000, with cash prizes awarded to the top four teams as well as special awards for the fairest team, best male player, best female player, youngest player and oldest player.
The federation earlier, confirmed 20 teams for the championship before play began, with each team comprising five players.
The event was expected to feature hundreds of officially recorded games, which organisers say will help build one of the country’s largest collections of competitive chess records while honouring the legacy of the late Sir Peter Kenilorea and promoting the continued development of chess in the Solomon Islands.
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