IM Firman Syah Farid of Indonesia won the Hanoi IM chess tournament held May 21 to 26, 2024 at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center in Hanoi, Vietnam with 6.5 points in the 9-round RR. Ivan Travis Cu of the Philippines finished runner-up with six points. In photo are, from left, Maung Maung Lwin, president of Myanmar Chess Federation, awarding medals to Firman Syah Farid, Ivan Travis Cu and third placer Duong Vu Anh of Vietnam.
The 15-year-old Cu, in photo receiving his silver medal from Chief Organizer Bui Vinh, is an incoming Grade 10 student of Xavier School San Juan. He gained 44.4 ELO points which will be added to his current rating of 2266 as of May 1. Thus, Cu broke the 2300 barrier to complete his requirement for the FIDE Master title.
Among those who are supporting his chess campaign here and abroad are Xavier School, its administrators and alumni, San Juan City LGU led by city leaders Mayor Francis Zamora, VM Angelo Agcaoili, Congresswoman Bel Zamora and Coun. Herbert Chua of Addition Hills, PAGCOR, Go For Gold PH, NCFP, under the leadership of Cong. Prospero Pichay and GM Jayson Gonzales and other sponsors.
Cu defeated FM Masruri Rahman of Indonesia, IM Angelo Abundo Young of the Philippines, IM Dao Minh Nhat of Vietnam, IM Farid Firman Syah of Indonesia and CM Aashman Gupta of India.
He split the points with IM Ricardo De Guzman and FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines.
He lost to ACM Duong Vu Anh of Vietnam and FM Vrashank Chouhan of India.
Cu is playing under the guidance of Xavier School San Juan coach International Arbiter Rolando “Rolly” Yutuc and International Master Jan Emmanuel “Jem” Garcia.