By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino chess players made a strong impression at the 24th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Singapore, with International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca leading the country’s medal haul.
Arca, a 17-year-old player from Zamboanga City, dominated the open Under-20 division by winning the individual gold medals in standard, rapid and blitz.
He added another gold as part of the Philippine team that topped the standard event. The team also secured silver medals in the rapid and blitz competitions, giving Arca a total of four golds and two silvers.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, friends, supporters and to our country,” Arca said after his impressive campaign.
NCFP chairman and president Prospero Pichay Jr. and former Senator Manny Pacquiao supported Arca’s participation in the Singapore tournament.
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines also praised the young player for his contribution to the country’s growing reputation in international chess.
Meanwhile, Fide Master Arlan Cabe delivered another landmark performance by winning the Seniors 50 standard category. The San Fabian, Pangasinan native earned an outright International Master title, becoming the first Filipino senior player to achieve a direct IM title through the ASEAN+ championships.
Sotaridona of Iloilo captured the girls Under-16 standard championship and earned an automatic Woman FIDE Master title, subject to meeting the 1900 FIDE rating requirement. Her current rating is 1828, while her Singapore performance is expected to add 46 points.
Caredo of Dasmarinas City also secured a direct Candidate Master title after competing in the open Under-16 standard event.
Abanes of Daet, Camarines Norte earned a Woman International Master norm after winning silver in the Women’s Senior 50 standard competition. She bounced back in the faster formats, taking individual gold in both rapid and blitz.
The youngest Filipino medal winner was five-year-old Banawa of Alicia, Isabela, who swept all six gold medals in the girls Under-6 individual and team events.
The Philippine delegation, which consisted of 672 players, finished second in the overall standings with 83 medals, including 24 gold, 36 silver and 23 bronze.
Vietnam finished first in the medal race, while India settled for third.
