Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • Weights from Japan: Llover - 117.7 lbs., Angeletti - 117.5 lbs.
    By Dong Secuya, Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Antonio Vargas Locked in for Career-Defining Title Defense Against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as Training Camp Winds Down
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Weights From ‘Vazquez vs. Lugo’ Event from College Park Center in Arlington, TX, & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS JOSH PADLEY AND AQIB FIAZ FACE OFF
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • “I would not say Yoka is more dangerous.” Murat Gassiev's coach Kadushin on boxer's training camp
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Homecoming for super middleweight prospect Elijah Garcia to be showcased June 20 on Kingsley Ibeh vs. Dante Stone card in Phoenix
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Amateur Standout Kayla "The Truth" Gomez Set for Professional Debut on MF Pro's "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Tancontian to lead PH team in Sambo Asia-Oceania
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Clarion to fight for WBC Youth World super flyweight title in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 04 Jun 2026
  • 2026 NBA Finals: Knicks Steal Game 1 in San Antonio 105-95
    By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 04 Jun 2026
  • LAMONT “THE REAPER” ROACH JR. AND WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA TO BATTLE FOR THE WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
    Thu, 04 Jun 2026
  • Ramirez vs. Richards - Weigh In Results
    Thu, 04 Jun 2026
  • Louisville and Boxing World commemorated 10th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali death
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 04 Jun 2026
  • Sampson Lewkowicz: Boxing’s Picasso
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 03 Jun 2026
  • BARRY HEARN OBE TO FUND 10 BRAND NEW APPRENTICESHIP ROLES THANKS TO MATCHROOM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AND COACH CORE
    Wed, 03 Jun 2026