Teen Arca goes up against experienced foes in Oaminal chess tourney

MANILA – FIDE Master Gian Karlo Arca seeks another title in the 3rd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Festival in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental on Nov. 4 and 5.

The 15-year-old pride of Davao del Norte will be up against Grandmasters Rogelio Antonio Jr., Darwin Laylo and Daniel Quizon in the event to be held at Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.

"I hope to do well in the Oaminal Open," the Grade 10 student of Panabo City National High School said.

He is coached by Arena Grandmaster Ramil Langamon.

Also joining are International Masters Michael Concio Jr., Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Joel Pimentel, Rico Mascarinas, Kim Steven Yap and Eric Labog Jr.; FIDE Masters David Elorta, Roel Abelgas, Austin Jacob Literatus, Victor Lluch, Anthony Makinano, Alekhine Nouri, Sherwin Tiu and Jason Bandal; and National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.

Arca was the best Filipino finisher at the Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Cavite in October, placing eighth overall.

Two weeks ago, he swept the seven-round standard event in the Under-17 boys' division of the National Youth and Schools Championship in Alicia, Isabela.

The 3rd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Festival offers P428,000 in cash prizes, with the Open champion earning P50,000.

The top 20 finishers, the winners in the U13, U17 and blitz categories, and the top Misamis Occidental player will also get cash prizes.

Hall of Famer and Asia's first GM Eugene Torre will do the ceremonial moves, along with Oaminal, Antonio, Laylo, Quizon and Arca. (PNA)