NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Jan 2026
National Master Nika Juris Nicolas bagged the sixth place honor at the conclusion of the Marienbad Open 2026 Blitz Tournament 24th International Chess Festival was held at the Continental Hotel, Marianske Lazne in Czech Republic Thursday.
The 13-year-old NM Nika earned 7.0 points on account of seven wins and three losses, the same output of FM Ondrej Matras of Czech Republic, IM Angus Dunnington of Scotland, and CM Mario Hofstadler of Austria.
Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England won the tournament with 9.0 points, half point ahead with 2nd placer FM Florian Mosbauer of Austria and 3rd placer IM Alexander Alexikov of Ukraine who totes 8.5 points apiece.
FM Roberto Alejandro Avila Bautista of Mexico and Mark Ouaki of Belgium finished fourth and fifth with 8.0 points each.
Actually NM Nika, chess standout from Pasig City got a memorable experience as she battled it out in the final round in Board 1 against eventual winner GM Arkell according to her mother lawyer Nikki de Vega.
"What a memorable experience for Baby Nika as she battled it out in the final round in Board 1 against Grandmaster Keith Arkell from England. Baby Nika may have lost in the final round but she placed 6th overall in the Merienbad Open Blitz Tournament 2026. Up against titled and high rated players, Baby Nika held her ground, defeated gentleman from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany and gained roughly 200 rating points! Mabuhay ang Pinay," posted by lawyer Nikki in her Facebook account.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor Fighting again in Detroit this Sunday on Claressa Shields’ card
Tue, 17 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES Gabriela Tellez Ready to Make a Statement This Friday in Orlando
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 16 Feb 2026