ZAMBOANGA City’s International Master Christian Gian Carlo Arca opened his campaign for the coveted Grandmaster title with a stunning upset over fourth seed Indian IM Shrivatri Anuj in the first round of the 7th ASEAN Individual Chess Championships on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Ranked only 24th in the tournament, Arca showed no fear against his higher-rated opponent, using the London System with the white pieces to launch a fierce attack that eventually forced Anuj to resign.
Arca, rated 2349, built a favorable middle game before sacrificing his bishop to create two unstoppable passed pawns, leaving Anuj, rated 2450, with no way to stop the advance.
“I think he’s coming here well-prepared. It was an insane game with Gian throwing moves full of tactics that pressured his opponent no end,” said chess vlogger Allan Pelias of PH Chess Explorer.
The victory marked an encouraging start for Arca, who is pursuing the much-desired Grandmaster title in the international tournament.
Arca faced another Indian International Master, Jayakumar Sheet Sammed, in the second round, which was still ongoing as of press time.
The championships are being hosted by Misamis Occidental under Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Sr. at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban town.
