International Master Arca Secures Philippines' Sole Gold at Asian Youth Chess Championships

The Philippines celebrated a significant triumph at the 27th Asian Youth Chess Championships held in Thailand, thanks to International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca. Arca earned the nation’s only gold medal at the event by dominating the Under-16 open blitz competition.

Arca amassed 7.5 points, generated from seven victories, a draw, and just a single loss, finishing ahead of Vietnamese FIDE Master Dinh Nho Kiet and Indian International Master Ethan Vaz, who tied for second and third with seven points each. Despite losing his final round match to Vaz, Arca's overall performance secured him the title.

The gold medal hinged on a crucial outcome involving other competitors. Dinh needed to defeat Iranian Amirreza Kerdegar to overtake Arca, but Kerdegar pulled off a surprising upset, clearing the path for the Filipino chess star.

This victory added to Arca’s impressive haul, following his silver medal in the standard format earlier in the tournament. He narrowly missed a third podium finish in the rapid category, where he tied for first place with four others but settled for fourth after tiebreak calculations.

Additionally, the Philippines’ Marius Constante contributed to the medal tally, proudly capturing bronze in the open Under-8 division, further highlighting the country's promising talent in youth chess.