Chess prodigy Arca wins Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena

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. 

"I'm really happy," added Arca, who won this online tilt that had a time control format of 10 minutes plus two seconds increment a few days before his 12th birthday. 

Karlycris Clarito Jr.of Pasig City finished second with 34 Arena points while Darwin Villanueva Jr. of Tanauan, Batangas wound up third with 32 markers in this tourney organized by FA/FT/AGM and NM Rudy Ibanez, who is also the worldwide junior coordinator for the Sharp Kids Diamonds Team.