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:
Unification next for Taduran?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Apr 2026BEN WHITTAKER REPLACES INJURED CALLUM SMITH AS THE NEW MAIN EVENT FOR LIVERPOOL FIGHT NIGHT ON APRIL 18 – LIVE ON DAZN
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Filipino chess phenom triumphs at Krefelder Osteropen 2026 chess tournament in Germany
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026ProBoxTV Travels to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, This Friday, April 10, as Hebert Conceicao Sousa Battles Power-Punching South American Johan Gonzalez in Middleweight Main Event
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Yokasta Valle vs Lourdes Juarez for WBC Female world championship?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 07 Apr 2026GM Joey Antonio ties for 10th in Canberra chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Canelo Expected to Return on September 15 in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Ring Masters Championships 2026 Finals April 10 at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 07 Apr 2026Jeffrey de Luna keep the Philippines alive in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-ball World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS GAMBOA & RIGONDEAUX — MAY 2 IN MIAMI ONE NIGHT. SAME CARD. HAVANA HEAT
Mon, 06 Apr 2026Wilkens Mathieu Against Olympic Medallist Esquiva Falcao at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City on June 11!
Mon, 06 Apr 2026National Master Jasper Faeldonia rules Romblon chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 06 Apr 2026Twin wins for Pinoy boxers
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026NM Buto spearheads Goldland Chess Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Apr 2026Andreas Cortes vs Eridson Garcia Tops Paramount Plus Card
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026