BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Team Skillz King has emerged as the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship winner after claiming the title when the Independence Day tournament concluded with a prize presentation ceremony at the Outback Holiday Resort in Rove on Sunday.
According to a press release published by the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) on its official social media platform yesterday, Skillz King topped the standings with 15 points to secure the championship ahead of King Blunders on 14.5 points, while Checkers White finished third with 14 points and Tematangi Kings placed fourth on 11.5 points.
The championship attracted 20 teams comprising of 100 players, including six female competitors, making it one of the country’s largest team chess tournaments to date.
Skillz King’s title-winning team featured Fred Resture, William Kaitu’u, James Baiango and Aloysius Jnr Shanel, who shared the top prize of SBD5,000 and the championship trophy.
A total prize pool of SBD13,000 was distributed during Sunday’s closing ceremony, recognising the top four teams and outstanding individual performers.
Island Enterprise received the Fairest Team award, while James Angiki and Christopher Brechtefield were named Best Male Players.
Melanie Chottu and Mevis Meke shared the Best Female Player award, Devine Shanel was recognised as the Youngest Player, and George Taro received the Oldest Player award.
Before the presentations, players and federation executives took part in friendly matches and an open forum to reflect on the championship and discuss ways to further strengthen the development of chess in Solomon Islands.
SICF President Simon Chottu congratulated all participating teams, saying every player deserved recognition for taking part in the competition.
“It takes courage to register a team and compete. Every player who stepped onto the board is already a winner for demonstrating courage, discipline and strategic thinking through the game of chess. Congratulations to all our champions and participants,” Chottu said.
He said the federation remains committed to expand the sport by delivering more tournaments, including FIDE-rated competitions.
“This championship is only the beginning. SICF will continue to deliver more tournaments, including FIDE-rated events, to improve our players’ ratings, measure our standards internationally and create greater opportunities for Solomon Islands chess players,” he said.
The federation also acknowledged the support of Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr, who contributed SBD5,000 towards the championship, along with players, volunteers, officials, supporters and partners who helped deliver the event.
The Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship began on July 7 as part of the Solomon Islands’ Independence Day celebrations.
While most rounds were played during Independence Day, the remaining matches were completed on Sunday, bringing the tournament to a close alongside an awards presentation at Outback Holiday Resort.
Photo credit: Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF)
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