Day 9 of the 2026 Chess Olympiad saw both PNG teams score big wins. The Open team won their South Pacific derby against Fiji 3-1. Previously this match was the decider in the 'small' Pacific Champs, but with the growth of chess in the Oceania region, both PNG and Fiji are now challenged by other, stronger teams.
The real highlight was again the win by Ishmael Amnol. This was his 5th win in a row, and secures a conditional FM title (once he plays his 9th game). He is on 6/8 and is performing above the 2100 rating mark needed to be awarded the title. PNG also saw wins to Stuart Fancy on board 1 and Bing Barredo on board 2.
The Women's team had an even bigger win, scoring 3.5 points against the Seychelles. Liberty Joku scored her 3rd win of the tournament on board 1, with wins for Lucy Age (go Amaroo Primary!) and Tiana Kukula on board 4.
Both the Open and Women's teams are on 5 match points, and with winnable matches today (fingers crossed) are looking for a strong finish to the event.
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