by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines---Ivan Travis Cu from San Juan City earned a National Master Title.
"NCFP is pleased to Confirm Herewith That Ivan Travis Cu Has Obtained The Title of National Master In The Year 2021," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr.

The 12-year-old Cu, a Grade 7 student of Xavier School, San Juan City under the watch of coach IA Rolly Yutuc was declared champion in the just concluded 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grand Finals  Under-12 Boys Division held June 22-29, 2021 via Tornelo.com and Zoom Meeting.

Cu finished with 8.5 points on 8 wins, one draw and two loses in the tournament that had a classical time control and a single round-robin format, organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Cu finished in a three-way tie with James Tuanda and Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca, who also had 8. 5 points, but clinched the title by virtue of higher tiebreak score.

The grand finals was played in a round robin, standard chess format. FIDE hybrid chess tournament rules were used. Each player is required to play under the supervision of an arbiter who is physically present in the same venue as the player.
No other Xaverian chess player has attained this title. He will also be representing the Philippines in the FIDE Online Cadets and Youth Rapid World Cup in August.
Cu whose roots from Naga City, also qualified to the grand finals of the Under-16 division where he placed sixth among older boys. A week earlier, Cu took second place in the National Youth and Schools Under-13 Boys tournament. He may play for the country in the next Asian Youth and Schools Tournament.-Marlon Bernardino-