Arca wins Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament


by Marlon Bernardino.
The Philippines’ youngest Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Panabo City, Davao del Norte ruled the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament last Monday, February 22, 2021 at lichess.org.
Arca, a grade six pupil (Neptune) of Panabo Central Elementary School, tallied a total of Arena 36 points to win the title, in this event which attracted 74 woodpushers and backed up by Bayanihan Chess Club founding chairman Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas and Bethesda, Maryland US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas, as well Bayanihan Chess Club board member Jimmy Reyes and Engr. Ernie Faeldonia and Mam Rhina Mallari Aristorenas .
“It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now. Winning the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament meant so much to me,” said Arca, who will celebrate his 12th birthday this coming Saturday.
“I’m really happy,” added Arca, whose local and international online chess campaign is supported by Atty. Jong Guevarra.
Karlycris Clarito Jr.of Pasig City finished second place with Arena 34 points, in the 10 minutes plus 2 seconds time control format, organized by FA/FT/AGM and NM Rudy Ibanez, who is also the Worldwide Junior coordinator for Sharp Kids Diamonds Team.
In third place is Darwin Villanueva Jr. of Tanauan, Batangas who scored Arena 32 points followed by fourth placer Jeremiah Yap Mendoza of Santa Maria, Romblon who notched Arena 28 points.
Rohanisah Buto of Cainta, Rizal and Kate Nicole Ordizo of Alaminos, Pangasinan, meantime finished tied for fifth to sixth places with Arena 26 point.
At 7th to 10th place were Cyrus James Damiray of Tanza, Cavite (24 pts.),  Carl Daluz of Bulan, Sorsogon (24 pts.), Ericka Ordizo of Alaminos, Pangasinan (24 pts.) and Jasper Faledonia of Odiongan, Romblon (22 pts.).