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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Shark attack in Florida Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Making waves on Feb. 19
Tue, 10 Feb 202619-1 Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga returns on February 21 to Atlantic City
Tue, 10 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Women's Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Tue, 10 Feb 2026Filipino child prodigy Asher Judd Sy tops the 3rd King’s College Bangkok Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026