By Eva Hala

International chess officials say Tonga has the potential to significantly increase its number of internationally rated players as the country's developing chess community hosts its first national chess competition.

The Tonga Chess Federation, in partnership with international arbiter Tony Dowden and Martin Carter, opened the national chess tournament at the Tonga High School Library in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.

The 3-day tournament aims to expand the number of locally based players holding international ratings and strengthen Tonga's presence in regional and international competitions.

Only three Tongans currently hold official international chess rating: Mohe Lomu, Donald Tonutonu and Hinavakamea Helu. But organisers say the growing number of competitive tournaments is creating pathways for more players to achieve international recognition.

Internationally rated player and FIDE candidate master arbiter Tony Dowden told Matangi Tonga that the long-term objective was to build a larger pool of rated players by giving local competitors opportunities to face experienced international players.

"There are five players with international ratings at the moment, including three local players as well as myself and Martin," Dowden said.

"Every time players compete against one of us, it brings them one step closer to obtaining an international rating themselves."

He said the presence of internationally rated players at local tournaments was essential to the sport's development.

"The idea is to have some internationally rated players so that you can generate a bigger pool of internationally rated players locally," he said.

Several competitors participating in current tournaments are expected to become eligible for international ratings after competing in a series of sanctioned events.

The Tonga Chess Federation remains relatively young and officials say the limited number of rated players reflects the sport's recent establishment in Tonga.

He said local tournaments in Tonga were providing valuable experience for young competitors.

The tournament currently has about 60 registered players, with only six adults among them. The majority are school-aged boys and girls, reflecting the rapid growth of chess among young people.

Among the country's internationally rated players, Mohe Lomu is Tonga's highest-ranked player, followed by Donald Tonutonu and Hinavakamea Helu.

Tonga Chess Federation president William Sanft said the tournament would also help identify players to represent Tonga at FIDE world competitions later this year.

In his opening remarks, he acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Sports and Tonga High School in helping develop chess in the kingdom.

Organisers hope the increasing number of local tournaments and opportunities to compete against internationally rated opponents will steadily expand Tonga's pool of rated players and strengthen the country's standing in regional chess competitions.