In the third round of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships, Filipino FIDE Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca and Kazakhstan's FM Inayat Bolat ended their game in a draw after 44 moves in the Catalan Opening. This event, held in Montesilvano, Italy, featured competitors in the boys' U14 category.
According to Philippines News Agency, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) spokesperson, Arca, a member of the Dasmariñas Chess Academy, now has 2.0 points from one win and two draws. Arca, reflecting on the match at the Pala Dean Martin Centro Congressi, contemplated whether there was a possibility for White to secure a win.
Arca's compatriot, Charly Jhon Yamson, also scored 2.0 points after securing a victory against Kaito Meysman of Belarus in the Pirc Defense, marking his second consecutive win. FM Mark Jay Bacojo and Jirah Floravie Cutiyog, however, faced defeats in their respective categories. Bacojo lost to FM Simon Lamaze of France in the Slav Defense, while Cutiyog was defeated by Woman Candidate Master Bozhena Piddubna of Ukraine in the King's Indian Defense. Both Bacojo and Cutiyog hold 2.0 points each.
Other notable victories include Woman National Master Bonjoure Fille Suyamin’s win over Candidate Master Wiktoria Smietanska of Poland, and Anica Shey Dimatangihan’s triumph over Lea Glanc of Switzerland. Maureinn Lepaopao and National Master Oscar Joseph Cantela faced defeats in their respective games.
The Philippine team at the championship, supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and other sponsors, is coached by Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza, and Estavillo.