Filipino Christian Gian Karlo Arca dominates 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in China

Filipino Christian Gian Karlo Arca (ELO 2410) , a rising star from Mindanao, added another feather on his cap after winning the gold medal in the Under 18 Standard category of the prestigious 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2025 held at the Zhuhai Holiday Resort, Zhuhai , Guangdong, China on Monday, July 28, 2025.

Needing only a draw in his final game to secure the gold medal in the U18 category, Arca made the bold decision to go for a win.

His goal: to become overall champion in the Under 18 Standard event category -a feat that would have automatically granted him a Direct International Master (IM) title.

The 16 -year old Filipino chess wizard defeated Yihang Song of China in the last round to clinch the title.

Arca finished undefeated 8.0 points on seven wins and two draws in nine outings.

Arca defeated Hong Quan Vo of Vietnam in the first round, Yibai Ren of China in the second round, FIDE Master Khishigbat Ulziikhishig of Mongolia in the third round, FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu of the Philippines in the fourth round, Xiaozhi Wang of China in the fifth round, An Hoa Do of Vietnam in the seventh round and Song in the ninth and final round.

He split the points with Kailin Chen of China in the six round and Zhening Hu of China in the eight round.

'I am so very happy winning this tough standard tournament. Hope I can perform well also in the rapid and blitz competition," said Arca.

FM Ulziikhishig took the silver medal with 6.5 points, half point ahead with Do An Hoa, Hu Zhening and FM Cu who totes 6.0 points each.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), under the leadership of Chairman/President Cong. Prospero 'Butch' Pichay Jr. and CEO/Executive Director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by it's Chairman John Patrick 'Pato' Gregorio , Commissioner Ed Hayco, Commissioner Olivia 'Bong' Coo , and other PSC officials were recognized for their continued support of Arca and other Filipino athletes pursuing excellence in the global chess scene.-