FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca bounced back strongly and ruled the blitz and rapid sections of the premier Under-18 open division of the National Age Group Championships at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas over the weekend.
The 16-year-old Panabo, Davao del Norte phenom swept both categories in seven games each that made up for his failure to top the standard event where he settled for second place despite being the favorite to win it.
Arca booked a spot at the Asian Youth Chess Championships slated Nov. 20 to 30 in Bangkok, Thailand
Ruelle Canino, the lone female participant in the tough boys’ field, snatched the standard crown and beat Arca along the way in the event sponsored by CoinEx and backed by host Mayor Ben Patron and Rep. Mark Lester Patron, the Philippine Sports Commission and the NCFP.
Arca made sure he wouldn’t be denied again as he waylaid all the opponents he faced.
Arca, however, wasn’t able to face Canino in both events as the latter struggled with faster time control and ended up with only five points in rapid and four in blitz.
In all, it was a strong showing for Arca as he came through with a podium finish in all three of the events where he played.
Like Arca, Jersey Marticio reigned supreme in both girls’ U18 rapid and blitz to add to the silver she copped in the standard event.
Other winners were Khana Kathrine Ventolero (U12 girls rapid and blitz), Sebastian Damonsong (U12 boys rapid) and Roel Pagatpatan (U12 boys’ blitz).
