by Marlon Bernardino.
Ivan Travis Cu pocketed the top honors in the Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca 12th Birthday Celebration online rapid chess tournament held at the lichess platform on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
The San Juan City bet Cu collected six points on account of six wins and one loss in seven outings, organized by Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Team.
Cu scored victories over Princess Simbajon in the first round, Joshua Mallari in the third round, Jian Carlo Rivera in the fourth round, Christian Tolosa in the fifth round, Oshrie Jhames Reyes in the sixth round and Al-Basher Buto in the seventh and final round. His only loss was at the hands of Arnel Mahawan Jr. in the second round.
“I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” said Cu, who is also the champion in the 1st Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament held at the lichess platform last February 13, 2021.
It shall be recalled that the 12-year-old Cu, a grade six pupil of Xavier School under the guidance of coach Rolly Yutuc, defeated Oscar Gao (rated 1595) of Australia in the eight and final round to finish second place in the Boys 10 and under of the 36th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships held at the Expo MAX Atria last Dec. 27–30, 2019. Cu who amassed seven wins and one loss got a total performance of 1622 for his effort.
(Final Standings: 7 Round Swiss System, 5 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format, 21-player’s field, )
6 points—Ivan Cu
5 points—Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Keith Adriane Ilar
4.5 points—Al-Basher Buto, Christian Tolosa, Monica Lorraine Togonon, Karl Adrian Dalauta
3.5 points—Arnel Mahawan Jr., Joshua Mallari, John Curt Valencia