Manila – Filipino FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca ascended to second place in the Boys' Under-14 category of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships, following a win against Norwegian Isak Vinh Brattgjerd in Montesilvano, Italy on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Arca, playing the Caro-Kann Defense, secured his position with a total of 5.0 points from four wins and two draws. This impressive performance placed him alongside FIDE Masters Magnus Ermitsch (Germany), Edgar Mamedov (Kazakhstan), and Pawel Sowinski (Poland) in second place. The Filipino's rise to the top ranks followed his victory over Uzbekistan's Miraziz Kuziev the previous day.
Other key matches in the tournament saw Ermitsch defeating International Master Artem Imuskov, Mamedov overcoming FIDE Master Daniel Tabuenca Mendataurigoitia (Spain), and Sowinski besting Sultanbeibarys Dumanuly (Kazakhstan). Topping the leaderboard in the category are FIDE Master Pham Tran Gia Phuc (Vietnam) and International Master Savva Vetokhin (Russia), each with 5.5 points.
In the Boys' U-18 class, Filipino FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo reached a stalemate with Russian Grandmaster Volodar Murzin, landing him in 18th place with 4.5 points. International Master Aleksey Grebnev (Russia) continues to lead this category.
Arca is set to face Sowinski in Round 7, while Bacojo will compete against FIDE Master Nguyen Quoc Hy (Vietnam). Both Arca and Bacojo are products of the Dasmariñas Chess Academy, coached by FIDE Master Roel Abelgas. "We are hoping that Arca and Bacojo can sustain their momentum in the following round," said Team Philippines head of delegation, Arena Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino Jr.
In the Girls' categories, Jirah Floravie Cutiyog, Woman National Master Bonjoure Fille Suyamin, Woman National Master Kaye Lalaine Regidor, and Woman National Master Franchesca Largo also showcased commendable performances, contributing to the Philippines' strong showing in the tournament.