CHRISTIAN Gian Karlo Arca and Franchesca Largo pulled off emphatic victories to keep their title aspirations alive in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Karawaci-Tangerang, Indonesia last Monday night.
Arca, 15, stunned top seed International Master Ganzorig Amartuvshin of Mongolia to force a three-way tie for the lead in the Open division with Mongolian International Master Munkhdalai Amilal and Indonesian FM Nayaka Budhidharma with five points apiece.
Largo, 17, turned back Indonesian Shafira Devi Herfesa to grab a share of No. 3 with Mongolian Woman FM Nanjid Tsogzolmaa with 4.5 points each.
WIM Laysa Latifah of Indonesia emerged as the solo leader with 5.5 points while Indonesian WFM Cecilia Natalie Liuviann was solo No. 2 with five points.
Arca, who is eyeing an IM or a GM norm if not sealing the IM title outright in this nine-round tournament, will have an opportunity to keep his amazing effort going as he shoots for a win over Amilal in the seventh round at press time.
Largo was battling Latifah at press time, with a win likely to shove her higher in the standings.
Arca’s impressive showing has been a constant after the Panabo, Davao del Norte-born ace topped the blitz side of the World Youth Chess Championships in November last year in Italy and a Grandmaster tournament in Vietnam last May.
