by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Ivan Travis Cu won the under-12 boys section of the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals held online via the Tornelo platform from June 26 to June 29, 2021.
“NCFP is pleased to Confirm Herewith That Ivan Travis Cu Has Obtained The Title of National Master In The Year 2021,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.
The 12-year-old Cu, a Grade 7 student of Xavier School, San Juan City under the watch of coach IA Rolly Yutuc, finished with 8.5 points on 8 wins, one draw and two losses in the tournament that had a standard time control and a single round-robin format. The event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Cu finished in a three-way tie with James Tuanda and Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca, who also had 8. 5 points, but clinched the title by virtue of higher tiebreak score.
Cu scored huge wins against Paulo Efren Castino in the first round, Gabriel Ryan Paradero in the fifth round, Kara Meneses in the fourth round, Jeanne Marie Arcinue in the fifth round, Keith Adriane Ilar in the sixth round, Nathan Maligaya in the seventh round, David Sean Romualdez in the eight round, James Tuanda in the ninth round, Jeroniel Perez in the tenth round and Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa in the eleventh and final round.
He split the point with Christian Gian Karlo Arca in the third round. Cu yielded to Joemel Narzabal in the second round and Mark Gabriel Usman in the fourth round.
With his latest feat, Cu got the Candidate National Master (CNM) title plus P3,000 top purse for his effot.
Cu, 2nd place in the 2021 National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals Under-13 division last June 14 to 17, 2021, will represent the Philippines in the FIDE online World Cadet and Youth Rapid World Cup set August 1 to 31, 2021.
“As the champion in the Under-12 Boys event, Ivan will receive a “Candidate National Master” title and 2 National Master norms (3 norms are needed to achieve the National Master title). He will also represent the Philippines in the FIDE Online Cadets & Youth Rapid World Cup in August 2021.” said Mr. Teddy Cu of his son Ivan Travis.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank our son’s coach for the past year, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who has treated our son like a younger brother. Thank you for your guidance and supervision. Ivan would not have reached this stage in his chess journey without your relentless instruction and constant support. Under your watch, Ivan has improved a lot. There is still much to be done, and more to accomplish. We look forward to journeying with you. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Xavier School Coach IA Rolando Yutuc, who first spotted Ivan’s potential and encouraged him to excel in chess. Thank you to the coaches who have helped Ivan grow along the way: Coach FM Nelson Mariano, NM Romeo Alcodia, NM Marlon Bernardino, NT Glenn Hullana Garcia and GM Oliver Barbosa who gave Ivan some pointers on his middle and endgame techniques. We are grateful for the courses he received from NM Robert Suelo, IM Barlo Nadera and GM GM Joey Antonio, who continues to be our son’s idol. And thank you, too, to the players who sparred with Ivan and gave him inputs on how to improve his games. This achievement is all our achievement together.To the NCFP, its leaders and organizers, who worked with passion to make this event a reality, thank you for this opportunity. Our arbiter, NA Joel Manny Perplex Tatad who always arrived early despite going home late, thank you.,” he added-
Final Standings: (Under-12 division, Standard chess, Single Round Robin format)
8.5 points—Ivan Travis Cu, James Tuanda, Christian Gian Karlo Arca
7.5 points—Mark Gabriel Usman
7 points—Joemel Narzabal
6 points—Keith Adriane Ilar
5 points—Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa, Jeroniel Perez
3.5 points—David Sean Romualdez
3 points—Gabriel Ryan Paradero
2.5 points—Paulo Efren Castino
1 point—Nathan Maligaya