BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) is expecting more than 100 players to participate in this year’s Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship following the official opening of registrations for the annual Independence tournament.
The championship, which will be held on July 7 as part of Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence celebrations, is expected to attract up to 20 teams from across the country.
SICF President Simon Chottu told Island Sun that early interest in the competition has already been encouraging.
“We are expecting up to 20 teams from across the Solomon Islands. With each team consisting of four players plus one reserve, we anticipate more than 100 players participating in this year’s championship,” Chottu said.
He said teams from Western Province and Rennell and Bellona have already shown interest, with SICF hoping more provinces will join the tournament.
“Registration officially opened today and we have already received strong interest from chess clubs, teams and individual players forming teams for the event,” he said.
The annual championship honors the legacy of Solomon Islands’ founding Prime Minister, Sir Peter Kenilorea, while promoting strategic thinking, sportsmanship and youth development through chess.
Chottu said the tournament also serves as a platform for national unity and intellectual competition during the country’s Independence celebrations.
“The championship honors the legacy of the late Sir Peter Kenilorea, who brought our country to independence. Hosting this event during the Independence celebrations promotes national unity, intellectual competition and the development of strategic thinking among our people and young talented youths,” he said.
He added that local interest in chess has grown significantly since the appointment of the federation’s new executive earlier this year.
“Since the establishment of the new SICF Executive in March 2026, federation membership has increased from around 22 members to more than 100 active members.
“Our recent national rapid tournament attracted 94 registered players, demonstrating growing public interest in the sport,” Chottu said.
The competition will be played in a team format featuring four players and one reserve per side across four rounds under a one hour and 30 minutes time control.
Winning teams will receive cash prizes, trophies, medals and certificates, while special awards are also expected for outstanding individual performances.
Chottu encourages spectators and supporters to attend the championship once the official venue is confirmed.
“Chess is a spectator-friendly sport that allows people to observe strategic competition and learn from experienced players. We want to make chess competitive and an entertaining sport,” he said.
The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship is one of SICF’s major annual tournaments and forms part of Solomon Islands Independence celebrations each year.
The event honors the country’s founding Prime Minister while supporting the continued development of chess throughout the Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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