FM Ivan Travis Cu takes first in Blitz at the 9th Eastern Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Aug 2025
Rising Filipino chess star FIDE Master (FM) Ivan Travis Cu showcased his dominance on the international stage, capturing gold in the blitz Under 18 division at the 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, held from July 20 to 30 in Zhuhai City, China.
Cu turned in a sensational 8.5/9 performance in the blitz event, securing eight wins and one draw, a commanding lead that not only earned him the individual title but also anchored Team Philippines to the blitz team championship.
The tournament drew elite youth players from across East Asia, with intense competition across blitz, rapid, and standard formats. Cu demonstrated consistency and versatility with strong showings in all time controls:
Rapid U18: đ„ 3rd place â 5.0 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)
Standard U18: 5th place â 6.0 points (4 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss)
Best federation: Philippines â 2nd runner-up
This multi-format tournament served as a proving ground for tactical sharpness, psychological resilience, and strategic depthâqualities Cu exhibited throughout.
His international chess tournament stint was made possible with the support from Go-For-Gold PH, PAGCOR, Xavier School, San Juan City and Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili.-Marlon Bernardino -
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