CANDIDATE master Manoj Kumar dethroned defending champion CM Calvin Prasad in a tie-break to snatch the Brijlal Open Chess Championship yesterday.
Both players were tied for 4.5 points after five rounds and had to decide a winner via a 2x15 minute rapid games and 3x15 minute blitz rounds.
In the final round Prasad, who was the top seed in the event, lost on time by a mere two seconds.
Kumar said Prasad was a tough opponent in the tournament that was held at the Fiji Olympic House.
"Both of us were wary of each other, we left little room for mistakes and took limited risks in the six games we clashed in," he said in a Fiji Chess Federation statement.
"This is an exceptional win for me, and I hope it helps me prepare better for the 2013 Oceania Zonal Chess at Sonaisali Island Resort in the first week of May."
Goru Arvind finished third with three points while the Intermediate division was won by siblings Ronald Terubea, Keez Terubea and Kabrina Terubea who top scored against all their opponents.
"In a very identical manner, siblings Kelvyn Prasad and Jeryka Prasad held the top two positions in the Secondary School's category," the statement said.
"Young Menash Fareed and Jacqueline Masilomani won the top positions in the Primary School's category," it said.
FCF president Dr Virgilio De Asa said the tournament turnout was boosted by new players from the Sunday Chess Clinics which resumes on March 24 at the Nasese Medical Centre.
Kumar, winner of the 2012 Grand Prix table, received 20 grand prix points for the win.
"These points work like a league system where we get 20 points for winning a tournament, and at the end of the year, the overall winner has good chances to be considered to represent Fiji in International tournaments," Kumar said.