We all cheered two weeks ago when nine-year-old Bince Rafael Operiano a boy from Oas, Albay came home with medals from the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, where he finished on top of the Under-10 category and sixth overall.
The best chess players in the country aged 17 years and below battle wits in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships unfolding Saturday at the Dapitan City Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte.
Published February 25, 2021, 1:44 PM
Christian Gian Karlo Arca, the country’s youngest Arena Grandmaster (AGM) at 11 years old, conquered the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament held via Lichess.org last Monday, Feb. 22.
The pride of Panabo City, Davao Del Norte racked up 36 Arena points to beat the 73 other young woodpushers who joined this event backed by Bayanihan Chess Club founding chairman Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas and US-based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas as well as board of directors Jimmy Reyes, Ernie Faeldonia and Rhina Mallari Aristorenas.
“It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now. Winning the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament meant so much to me,” said Arca, whose local and international campaign is supported by Atty. Jong Guevarra.