FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Apr 2025
Bangkok, Thailand – FIDE Master Christian Gian Carlo Arca split the point with countryman International Master Paulo Bersamina in 41 moves of the King's Indian Defense, creating a six-way tie for fifth place after the seventh round of the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2025 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 16-year-old bet from Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Arca, has accumulated 5.5 points, the same score as Grandmaster Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India, Bersamina, International Master James Morris of Australia, International Master Michael Concio Jr., and Arsens Batashevs of Latvia.
The draw brings Arca closer to achieving his third and final International Master (IM) norm.
He earned his first IM norm at the 18th IGB Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championships 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
His second IM norm was secured after winning the Quang Ninh GM2 chess tournament in Ha Long City, Vietnam, on May 19, 2024.
"I am very happy to potentially get my third and final norm in this tournament (22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2025)," said Arca.
"With two rounds to go, I will need one draw to get my third and final IM norm. If I am lucky enough to win my two remaining games, a Grandmaster (GM) norm is also possible," he added.
To become an IM, a player must achieve three norms over at least 27 games and have a FIDE rating of 2400 or higher. The Elo rating system measures the skill level of players in games.
In other results, Ganguly was defeated by Grandmaster Evgeny Romanov of North Macedonia in 38 moves of the French Defense. Romanov grabbed the solo lead with 6.5 points after seven rounds.
Morris bested Tony Zheng of Australia in 38 moves of the King's Indian Attack, Concio crushed Haoxuan Zhang of China in 64 moves of the London System Opening, and Batashevs toppled International Master Azarya Jodi Setyaki of Indonesia in 24 moves of the Centre Game.
Grandmaster Stephen Gordon of England beat Grandmaster Nigel Short of England in 53 moves of the Sicilian Defense to score 6.0 points and climb into a tie for second to fourth place along with Grandmaster Babu M. R. Lalith of India and FIDE Master Ern Jie Anderson Ang of Malaysia.
Lalith defeated Grandmaster Jozsef Horvath of Hungary in 32 moves of the Torre Attack Opening, while Ang subdued International Master Arif Abdul Hafiz of Indonesia in 35 moves of the King's Indian Defense.
Meanwhile, John Paul De Guzman defeated overnight solo leader Tran Nguyen Dang Khoa of Vietnam to seize the solo lead with 6.5 points after seven rounds in the Challenger section. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 25 Nov 2025