by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines---PLAYING true to form, Mindanao's top kiddy Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca checkmated former solo leader NCR's Ivan Travis Cu in 41 moves London System Opening using the white pieces in the final round to become the champion of the Hybrid National Youth & Schools Chess Championships on Tornelo held June 14 to 17, 2021.
With the crucial win, the 12-years-old Arca, a Grade 6 GT Neptune student of Panabo Central Elementary School SPED Center in Panabo City, Davao del Norte finished with 8.5 points in 11 rounds of standard chess (one hour and 30 minutes time control), the same output of Cu.
Arca, however, was proclaimed champion by virtue of winner over the other tie break .
He pocketed the P3,000 top purse in the Under 13 category for his effort.
According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Assistant Executive Director for Northen and Central Luzon/International Arbiter Reden Cruz, the outright champion will receive Candidate National Master title plus 2 National Master norms.
Arca already got Candidate National Master title plus 1 National Master norm after settling second place to eventual champion Cavite's Mark Jay Bacojo during the Under 15 division of recent Hybrid National Youth & Schools Chess Championships.
Police Lieutenant Arman J. Arca said to his son Christian Gian Karlo: "We believed on the talent and God-given gift to Christian since from the start na pumasok siya sa larangan ng Chess. Nagshift cya from football to chess at ang bilis talaga ng progress niya kaya maraming hindi makapaniwala at naniniwala sa potential at lakas niya... We hope that this success and achievement of Christian as Champion in U13 and 2nd Place in U15 will solidify his name and will gain the trust and confidence of the NCFP Officials and the chess players nationwide.. Lets support our Filipino pride kasi naghirap din sa training ang bata.. Mula nung pumasok cya sa chess ay wala ng hinto ang kaliwat kanan training niya hanggamg ngayon from different coaches. Finally, we sincerely give back all the glory and honor to God for this success for all the favours He gave to Christian."
Present coaches of Christian were FM Roel Abelgas, AGM Voltaire Marc Paraguya, IA/FT James Infiesto, NM Alex Lupian, GM Jayson Gonzales and WGM Janelle mae Frayna (PACE Master Class Trainers) while past mentors were AGM Henry Lopez, IM Angelo Young, NM/AGM Marlon Bernardino, NM Winston Silva, Jay Bulicatin, Neo Candelario and Noel Jay Estacio.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows Panaboan youngest chess AGM Christian Gian Karlo Arca paid a courtesy call to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. in the latter's (Rep. Butch Pichay) hometown Cantilan, Surigao del Sur recently.