FIJI created history at the 40th World Chess Olympiad winning its first-ever round two match in Istanbul in Turkey.
The men's team, led by Candidate Master Calvin Prasad, produced the historic result when they beat Kenya 3-1.
CM Prasad launched Fiji's attack, outclassing his higher rated opponent on board one and CM Sanmogam Goundar also had sweet victory on board three.
However, Neel Arora was defeated on board two but it was the gallant performance of rookie Goru Arvind that turned the tables against the Kenyans. Goru Arvind defended well to seal the game for Fiji.
"The team's aggressive playing style caught their opponents off-guard. Kenya expected an easy win against us, but instead came under attack on all four boards" said Dr. Virgilio De Asa, the head of delegation for Fiji.
He said playing at that top level did not hinder the players from giving their best shot and causing a surprise defeat over Kenya.
"The boys showed they are not intimidated by higher-rated opponents, and can give any team a strong challenge," he said.
Fiji is scheduled to play Zambia in round three today. Fiji earlier lost to Mongolia in the opening round.