Arca, a 14-year-old from Panabo City, recently achieved his first International Master (IM) norm in a chess championship in Kuala Lumpur. He has consistently won gold medals for the Philippines in youth tournaments worldwide.
Within the nearby front, his success within the field of much more seasoned adversaries is unrivaled as the country's experienced chess aces would often say that Arca is as of now ready for the pickin.
"Given a chance to frequently see activity within the worldwide level for more exposure, the IM and GM titles are achievable for Arca," said Cagayan de Oro's Johnnel Balquin, one of Mindanao's best chess abilities, who never campaigns overseas but still overseen to reach near the respectable 2400 Elo evaluations in his 30s.
"He's ready to be given more worldwide opportunities or else he would conclusion up rather like us."
The Philippines has produced 17 grandmasters (GMs), the final of whom is Enrico Sevillano in 2012. Since at that point, Filipino chess players, particularly those within the territories, have asked for more bolster from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP)
"Really, there are so many chess gifts within the nation who never got the break when they're still with the same age of Arca," included Balquin, who's presently 45 a long time ancient.
Fair as of late, Arca graced the highlight once again when he ruled the Rising Chess Unlimited Development Program Individual Open held on October 7 at Damosa Market Basket in Lanang, Davao City.
Arca wrapped up with a exceptional 6.5 points in seven rounds, overcoming National Master Macacuna Macala and Reynaldo Quinonez, among others, some time recently settling for a draw with Jayson Salubre within the last circular to secure the title and stash the P10,000 best handbag.
Completing the beat 13 among the 74 participants within the competition are NM Macala and FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus with 6 points each; Salubre, Japheth Aaron Caresosa and Quiñonez with 5.5 points; and Jimmy Dano, Denzel John Amar, Lito Laput, Mhyl Crese Wayne Patrimonio, Anthony Mosqueda, Ivan Kim Falcatan and Cipriano Angelo Magalso with 5.0 points each.
The Rising Chess Unlimited event started on September 24 in Butuan City. It is a way to promote the 7-in-1 Chess Festival happening in Ozamiz City on November 10-12. Ozamiz City is a beautiful city.
The remaining Rising Chess schedules are on October 14-15 in Robinson's Galleria, Cebu City; October 21 in Robinson Place, General Santos City; October 22 in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat; October 28 in Damosa Market, Lanang, Davao City; October 29 in Robinson's Galleria Ortigas, Metro Manila; and November 5 in Cagayan de Oro City.
Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo expects that the winners of the Butuan leg, NM Levi Mercado, and the Davao City champion, FM Arca, along with the other winners of the Rising Chess Unlimited, will perform their best moves at the upcoming event in Ozamiz. Esteemed chess players like GMs Eugene Torre and Rogelio Antonio will also be participating in the event.
Contributed photos.
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