10 YEAR OLD GIRL HAILED AS THE COUNTRY’S FIRST AND ONLY CHESS NATIONAL MASTER WHO IS FEMALE
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Jun 2023
A young chess prodigy named Nika Juris Nicolas from Pasig City has once again made headlines. At just 10 years old, she has been granted the title of National Master by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) on June 9, 2023.
Despite being the only female participant in the Boys Under 11 Division of the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finals, held in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte from June 2 to 9, Nika managed to win medals in all categories, including a silver in Standard, a silver in Blitz, and a bronze in Rapid.
This is not the first time Nika has achieved remarkable success in chess. Previously, she emerged as the champion in the Under 11 Boys Division of the NCFP National Eliminations for the same event held in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental from March 24 to 27, 2023. Her exceptional performance in the boys' division is truly noteworthy, and she has now secured her place in Philippine chess history as the country's first and only National Master who is female.
It is quite uncommon for women to compete in Open Divisions since it is usually preferred that they join the separate division for women. In fact, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) maintains separate titles for boys/open categories, such as Grandmaster, International Master, FIDE Master, and Candidate Master, all of which require higher FIDE rating thresholds compared to their female equivalents.
These facts expose the existing gender disparities in the field of chess. Nika's historic accomplishment as the first and only female National Master in the Philippines breaks societal barriers and challenges the notion of male dominance in chess.
She is set to compete in ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand which is slated on June 17-27,2023.
Nika Juris Nicolas in her age with a modest pronouncement or projection.
She is the brightest future of Philippine chess. The fact she demonstrated her talent with amazing performances in her several achievements, then the country can hope for a world class athlete if not a would be renowned and astounding Chess Grandmaster in the making.
Nika Juris also proved unstoppable as she led the VCIS- Homeschool Global Chess Team to the 1st Professional Chess Association of the Philippines National Inter School Championship to be held July 8, 9, 15 and 16.
Apart from Nika Juris, the team was made up of Woman National Master Antonella Berthe Racasa, Gabriel Ryan Paradero, Andrew and Aron Toledo. Team coach is Robert Racasa.
Atty. Nikki De Vega and Atty. Krisanto Karlo Nicolas are proud of these latest achievements of their daughter.
"Thank you to our growing village of supporters and prayer warriors, Nika's coaches Lourecel Ecot, Raul Damuy, MJ Ladrona, Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence led by GM Jayson Gonzales and WGM Janelle Frayna, Pasig City Government, NCFP and the chess parents." said proud mother Atty. Nikki De Vega, who is also the NCFP's Legal Counsel.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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