Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • “Thrilla” card takes shape
    By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
    By Carlos Costa, Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Vayson aims to make history
    By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
    Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
    Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
    Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
    By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
    Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
    By Eric Armit, Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
    Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • “Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
    Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Canelo-Crawford: The Consolidation of Boxing’s New Commercial Empire
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • A New Era for Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford Shatters Global Viewership Records on Netflix
    By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Sep 2025