Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025

International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, of Zamboanga City who is a consistent medalists in an international competition and the brightest hope to become its first Grandmaster in Mindanao, added another trophy in his collection after winning the silver medal in the 2025 Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships (Standard competition), held from December 23 to 29,2025 in Hongkong, China.

In a must win situation in his final game to secure the silver medal, the 16-year old Arca, a Grade 11 Student of Ramon Enriquez High School defeated compatriot FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and finished the 9-round tournament with 8.0 points on account of 8 wins and 1 loss.

Actually, Arca finished in a tie for first place with eventual champion FIDE Master Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia. After the tie break, it was the Mongolian who claimed the gold medal and the championship title.

Arca's only setback at the hands of FM Ulziikhishig in their third round encounter.

In another event , Arca is the best Filipino finisher and placed fifth in the Hong Kong International Open Blitz Chess Championship 2025 where one of the highlights of his achievement is when he defeated the rising star of China, IM Haochen Jiang. Arca scored 7 wins and 2 losses in the Open Blitz competition.

" It was a sweet victory. I thank God that before the year ended I won a silver medal in the Standard competition and placed fifth in the Blitz category in Hong Kong, China." said Arca, a product of the grass roots chess development program of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines under the leadership of it's Chairman/ President Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. Arca's trip is supported by Rep. Pichay and Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who is also the NCFP Vice President for Mindanao.

FM Naranbold Sodbilegt of Mongolia (3rd), FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia (1st) and IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines (2nd).