Arca Continues to Pursue Coveted IM Norm in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 16 May 2024
MANILA – Filipino FIDE Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca continues his quest for the coveted International Master (IM) norm, drawing with compatriot International Master (IM) Michael Concio Jr. in the fourth round of the Quang Ninh GM2 chess tournament 2024. The match took place at the Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center in Ha Long Ward, Ha Long City, Vietnam, on Thursday, May 16.
Playing white, the child prodigy from Dasmariñas, Cavite, split the point with Concio in 38 moves of the English Opening Symmetrical variation.
Arca improved to 3 points in four outings, remaining in contention. He began his campaign with a draw against Grandmaster (GM) Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam, followed by victories over International Master (IM) Yiping Lou of China and International Master (IM) Azarya Jodi Setyaki of Indonesia.
Concio drew with Candidate Master (CM) Dau Khuong Duy of Vietnam and International Master (IM) Azarya Jodi Setyaki of Indonesia before beating International Master (IM) Liu Xiangyi of Singapore.
Both Arca and Concio are playing under the guidance of Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga and National Coach FIDE (FM) Roel Abelgas.
"Okay lang ang draw, mahalaga naka-tutok tayo sa second IM norm," said Arca, who won the gold medal in the Open Blitz, a side event of the World Youth Chess Championships held in Montesilvano, Italy, from Nov. 12 to 24.
Arca already has one norm acquired at the 18th IGB Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championships, a nine-round tournament held at the Midvalley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3.
To earn an IM title, a player must achieve three required title norms over 27 or more games and have a FIDE rating of 2400 or more. - Marlon Bernardino.
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