KARAWACI-TANGERANG, INDONESIA — The Philippines secured its first medal at the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships last Thursday night, thanks to a bronze-winning performance by Christian Gian Karlo Arca in the Open rapid category.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 15-year-old FIDE Master from Panabo, Davao del Norte, achieved a critical victory against Thailand's International Master Prin Laohawirapap in the ninth and final round held at Gunadarma University. Arca, also a Grade 9 student at Dasmariñas Integrated High School, concluded the event tied with Laohawirapap at 7.0 points but was awarded the bronze medal based on the winner-over-the-other rule.
Arca's journey in the tournament included initial wins and a few setbacks against strong opponents. After an opening round win against Indonesia’s Arena FM Alessandro Alfaridzi Amir, he faced defeats by Indonesians Rafa Firjatullah and Claudio Vargues Vasco Lasama. However, he recovered well to defeat several other competitors, including Mongolian Munkhdalai Amilal and FIDE Master Nayaka Budhidharma from Indonesia.
Vietnam's FM Dinh Nho Kiet claimed the gold with 7.5 points, closely followed by Indonesia’s FM Satria Duta Cahaya, who took silver. Arca will next compete in the Standard category, continuing his quest for a third International Master norm, having secured his second at a Grandmaster tournament in Vietnam this past May.
In the Girls' Rapid category, fellow Filipino Mhage Sebastian finished between fourth and seventh place with six points, just behind the winner Shafira Devi Herfesa of Indonesia, who prevailed in a tiebreaker against her compatriots.