FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca (Contributed photo)
MANILA – FIDE Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca hopes to perform well in the 8th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships to earn the third norm required to become an International Master (IM).
The tournament is scheduled from July 13 to 21 at the CitiTel Hotel in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
The Dasmariñas Chess Academy player won the Open rapid bronze medal at the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Indonesia last July 4.
"I hope to do well in Malaysia and gain some Elo rating points," said the 15-year-old Arca, who left with FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu, National Master Oscar Joseph Cantela, and National Master Franklin Loyd Andes last Thursday. They are entered in the U18 Open division.
Arca, the U16 blitz champion at the Asian Youth Championships in Kazakhstan, will get his third IM norm with a title victory in the tournament organized by Penang Chess Association (PCA) and Malaysian Chess Federation.
A native of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, he will also secure a Grandmaster norm in the process.
The other members of the Philippine delegation headed by Ranell Magallanes are Danry Seth Romualdez (U10 Open), Gaye Thalia Ventura (U10 girls), Noel Bernil Jr. (U12 Open), WNM Nika Juris Nicolas (U12 girls), NM Jaymiel Piel and Ran Zeth Marco Magallanes (U14 Open), Lila Alyssa Seriña and Ashzley Aya Nicole Paquinol (U14 girls), NM Keith Adriane Ilar, Davin Sean Romualdez and NM Tyrhone Tabernilla (U16 Open), WNM Bonjoure Fille Suyamin (U16 girls), and WNM Samantha Babol Umayan (U18 girls).
The PCA and MCF have been organizing events to give local and foreign youth players more opportunities to improve their skills. They also promote and enhance the presence of chess in schools.
“I wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Penang government for regularly supporting our events, and a special mention to the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), for being the gear of chess development in the state,” said PCA president See Swee Sie, adding that Penang bet Poh Yu Tian will be eyeing his first IM norm in the 8th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships. (PNA)
