The Vanuatu Chess Federation has officially kicked off its first major competition for the year with the launch of the Vanuatu 10-Round Robin Tournament.

The tournament brings together 10 local chess players, who will compete against each other in a long-format round-robin system, where every player faces all other competitors.

Speaking to VBTC Sports, Secretary of the Vanuatu Chess Federation, Jeremy Elison, explained that the tournament is designed to help grow competitive chess in the country and provide players with an opportunity to earn an internationally recognised FIDE rating.

“To give players the opportunity to earn what’s called a FIDE rating, there are currently about 11 players in Vanuatu who have earned a FIDE rating,” Mr Elison said.

He explained that seven players competing in the tournament already hold a FIDE rating, while three players are aiming to earn their first rating through the competition.

“There is a process where everybody will play everyone,” he said. “One goal of this tournament is to expand our numbers, and the second goal is to allow players the opportunity to play against each other.”

Photo credits: Vanuatu Chess Federation