NM Nika Juris Nicolas finishes fourth in Cincinnati Chess Open

In a recent chess tournament, National Master Nika Juris Nicolas of the Philippines finished in fourth place. She competed in the final round and lost to United States Chess Master Brett Passen who took home the Cincinnati Chess Open 2025 trophy in the Under 2200 class who totes 5.0 points. Despite the setback, NM Nicolas settled overall fourth. If NM Nicolas won her last match she could have brought home the championship trophy. NM Nicolas remained at 3.5 points, the same output of 5th placers Peter Mikina, 6th placers Hari Nadathur and 7th placers Elizabeth Xia.

United States Chess Master Manis Davidovich and United States Chess Master Deshawn Kelley were tied for 2nd to 3rd places who got 4.0 points apiece.

"Mighty proud of you Baby Nika (NM Nika Juris Nicolas) for securing a decent 4th place finish in your first US tournament! My heart broke into pieces when I saw you cry when you lost the championship title in the final round to a US National Master. However, my heart became whole again when you wiped your tears away and vowed to do better next time. Go Baby Nika," said the proud mother lawyer Nikki de Vega, legal counsel of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.-Marlon Bernardino-