by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—After finishing 3rd place in the recently concluded National Grand Finals of the Youth and Schools Hybrid Chess Championships, Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Fletch Archer Arado will prepare for a bigger stage when he will represent the Philippines, along with fellow winners, in the 2021 Asian Schools Chess Championship on July 29-31, 2021.
AGM Arado, an incoming Grade 8 student of the Ateneo de Zamboanga, finished in third place in the Grand Finals of the National Qualifier. He scored a total of 7.5 points in eleven rounds, the same score as second placer AGM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Panabo City, Davao del Norte and just half a point behind 1st placer Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmarinas City, Cavite. These top three finishers will represent the Philippines in the Under 15- Boys category in the online international tournament next month.
“Had a Lot of fun playing in the #NYSCCGrandFinals. I was able to get 3rd place and I will represent the Philippines in this upcoming 2021 ASIAN Schools Chess Championships on July 29-30, 2021 together with Mark Jay Bacojo and Christian Gian Karlo Arca. I would like to thank all my coaches FM Nelson Mariano, NM Joey Florendo, Redkings Chess Manila, parents and lastly I would like to give a special thanks to the people who never doubted my strength and always believed in me.” said AGM Arado.
“Congratulations, AGM Fletch Archer Arado Arado. Good luck on your first international tournament with Philippine flag in your name.” said Prof. Rey Reyes, Ateneo de Zamboanga University Sports Head, co-team owner of Zamboanga Sultans