OZAMIZ City — Seventeen-year-old International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca proved he belongs among the country's chess elite after going unbeaten to win the 6th Ozamiz Open Chess Championships, defeating a field that included three grandmasters and several of the Philippines' top players.

 Arca, who hails from Panabo, Davao del Norte and now represents Zamboanga City, swept through the nine-round FIDE-rated rapid tournament with eight straight victories before settling for a draw in the final round to secure the title, the championship trophy, and the ₱100,000 top prize.

 The victory marks a major breakthrough for the rising Mindanao chess star, who won the tournament's secondary division last year before moving up to the highly competitive Open category this year.

 Among Arca's biggest victories were wins over fellow International Master Michael Concio Jr. and 73-year-old chess Olympiad veteran Rico Mascariñas, one of the country's most respected players.

 "Kusog na gyod si Arca. Confident na kaayo bisan kinsa ang makontra. Without a doubt, he's going to be the country's next grandmaster when his time comes," said Cagayan de Oro chess official Lorenzo Cuizon, who assisted in officiating the tournament.

 Defending champion Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. also praised the teenager's rapid improvement but encouraged him to focus more on classical chess to strengthen his bid for the Grandmaster title.

 "Matibay na talaga. May ibubuga kaya lang mag-focus sana siya sa standard (classical) na pagsasanay at huwag madalas sa blitz kung gusto niyang magka-GM title," Antonio told Gold Star Daily.

 International Master Mark Jay Bacojo finished second with eight points to earn ₱60,000, while Merben Roque, Johnnel Balquin, and Mascariñas tied with 7.5 points before the tiebreak determined the final podium placements.

 Tournament organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo said the success of this year's event was made possible through the support of Ozamiz City Mayor Sam Fuentes, who contributed ₱1 million to help stage the more than ₱2-million Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival.

 Urbiztondo added that organizers are looking to bring another international chess tournament to Ozamiz City as early as November.