MANILA---Filipino chess prodigy Christian Gian Karlo Arca is set to compete in tournaments abroad to accomplish his bid to become the country's next International Master (IM).
The 14-year-old Arca, a Grade 8 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, is the country's newest FIDE Master.
Arca finished the boys under-18 division of the Mayor Darel Dexter Uy National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals as a co-champion last April in Dipolog City enroute the coveted FM title.
Arca's rating jumped to 2172 after earning 94 points from the tournament in Dipolog City.
Arca also holds the title of national master and online Arena Grandmaster but aims to secure three required IM norms in tournaments with rated players to accomplish his dreams.
He is slated to compete in the 21st Asean+ Age Group Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, to be held on June 17-27, 2023.
"I hope to do well in this event (Thailand) and gain some Elo rating points," said Arca, who is also topped the boys under-14 section of the Eastern Asian Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand and the GM Balinas youth tournament last year.
"He is the current Youngest FIDE Master of the Philippines as of now based on the ages of the FMs in the country," said proud father Arman Arca.
Arca's local and international tournaments are being supported by Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr., mayor Jenny Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, will also compete in the GMG Youth Chess Challenge under-15 division on May 20, 2023, Saturday at the Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City.-Marlon Bernardino-
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