Taytay: Filipino International Master (IM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca secured a significant victory on Thursday by defeating Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan. This triumph allowed Arca to gain a share of second place after six rounds in the Manny Pacquiao International Open, held at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Arca, who is based in Zamboanga City, now holds 4.5 points. He shares this score with Bulgarian GM Arkadij Naiditsch, Singaporean GM Tin Jingyao, Filipino IM Chito Garma, Swiss GM Peng Li Min, and Swedish GMs Vitaly Sivuk and Platon Galperin, as well as Indian GM Visakh N R. Arca expressed hope in maintaining his momentum in the tournament, having earlier drawn against top seed Norwegian GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in the fourth round and defeating compatriot Sherwin Tiu in the fifth.
In other matches, Indonesian GM Novendra Priasmoro drew with Indian GM Visakh N R, allowing Priasmoro to stay at the top of the standings with 5.0 points. The five-day event, organized by the Pacman Chess Association, follows a Standard format with a 90-minute main time control plus a 30-second increment. The champion of the tournament is set to receive a prize of USD20,000.
