Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series

Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Panabo City, Davao del Norte bounced back and avenged his loss in an epic chess battle that took place Saturday, February 20, 2021 at lichess online platform dubbed as Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up series.
Arca, a grade six pupil (Neptune) of Panabo Central Elementary School asserted his dominance over Al-Basher Buto of Cainta, Rizal, 8-2,  in the race-to-8, 2 minutes bullet time control format, in this event supported by Atty. Jong Guevarra, organized by Bayanihan Chess Club and was aired worldwide through the Internet at Deorico de Paz Youtube Channel and Jolina Icao Youtube Channel.
Arca took home the top prize worth P1,500 while Buto, meantime received P1,000.
Arca who turning 12 this coming Saturday, led the match 4-0 and 5-1, before Buto, rallied at the end to get within one win at 5-2. From there, Arca won the next remaining three match enroute to the 8-2 victory.
“Luck was on my side until the end,” said Arca, who earlier loss to eventual champion Buto in the 2nd Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament last Saturday.
“I did my best but Christian still emerged better,” said Buto, who is leading one point in their match ups after the rapid and blitz game last week.
Arca, who honed his chess skills under the guidance of Arena Grandmaster Henry Roger Lopez and Arena Grandmaster Voltaire Marc Paraguya. “I looked forward to play against Al-Basher again in the future,” added the country’s youngest AGM.
Arca’s next opponent will be Oshrie Jhames Reyes of Santa Rita, Pampanga, who brought down Arnel Mahawan Jr. of San Rafael, Bulacan, 8-6, last February 5