FM Arca eyes International Master title
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 11 May 2023
MANILA---Filipino chess prodigy Christian Gian Karlo Arca is set to compete in tournaments abroad to accomplish his bid to become the country's next International Master (IM).
The 14-year-old Arca, a Grade 8 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, is the country's newest FIDE Master.
Arca finished the boys under-18 division of the Mayor Darel Dexter Uy National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals as a co-champion last April in Dipolog City enroute the coveted FM title.
Arca's rating jumped to 2172 after earning 94 points from the tournament in Dipolog City.
Arca also holds the title of national master and online Arena Grandmaster but aims to secure three required IM norms in tournaments with rated players to accomplish his dreams.
He is slated to compete in the 21st Asean+ Age Group Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, to be held on June 17-27, 2023.
"I hope to do well in this event (Thailand) and gain some Elo rating points," said Arca, who is also topped the boys under-14 section of the Eastern Asian Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand and the GM Balinas youth tournament last year.
"He is the current Youngest FIDE Master of the Philippines as of now based on the ages of the FMs in the country," said proud father Arman Arca.
Arca's local and international tournaments are being supported by Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr., mayor Jenny Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, will also compete in the GMG Youth Chess Challenge under-15 division on May 20, 2023, Saturday at the Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Canoy to challenge Collazo on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNIE ALVAREZ RETURNS TO THE RING ON JUNE 13 IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 29 May 202620 Matchups Set for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, To Determine 2026 USA Wrestling World Championship Teams
Fri, 29 May 2026RJJ Boxing & “RJJ Saving the Kids” Presents World Boxing Association International Middleweight Championship! Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence and Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo
Fri, 29 May 2026Taguig boxing clinic starts
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026Brico Santig Wins IBF “Most Active Promoter” Award
Thu, 28 May 2026FOSTER AND FORD IN FIERY FACE-OFF IN HOUSTON
Thu, 28 May 2026Tank Davis could return later this year
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 28 May 2026GM Joey Antonio to compete in Asean Sr chessfest in Singapore
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19
Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event
Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 27 May 2026