by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—FIDE Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca swept his assignments and scored 9.0 points to rule the just concluded BM De Veyra Memorial Tournament King of the 64 Squares tilt at the Robinsons Place, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Sunday, August 13.
The 14 years old Arca, an incoming Grade 9 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School opened his campaign with a win over Allan Doroy then followed it with victories over John Carl Auson, Sebastian Marbas, FM Ellan Asuela, WFM Allaney Jia Doroy, NM Jose Aquino Jr., Jayson Salubre, Randy Ebao and John Christian Lesaca.
Arca (above left in photo) pocketed the P25,000 cash prize courtesy of AGM Alfredo De Veyra III (above right). NA Mark John Centillo was the chief arbiter.
Arca is one of the top players of the star-studded Dasmariñas Chess Academy under the guidance of Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., Mayor Jenny Barzaga and national coach FM Roel Abelgas.
Arca is also set to compete in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open Chess Tournament on September 30 at the second floor Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.-Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings: (9 Rounds Swiss System, 49 participants)
9 points—FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca
7.5 points—FM Ellan Asuela
7.0 points—Jimmy Dano
6.5 points—Aaron Aton, NM Allan Macala
6.0 points— Jayson Salubre, John Christian Lesaca, Jerwin Yabut
5.5 points—NM Jose Aquino Jr., Randy Ebao, WFM Allaney Gia Doroy, Joe Ralph Santillan, AGM John Gerald Esencia, Kem Mario Toredes, Nathan Segara, Aliyah Rae Lumangtad