In a stunning display of skill and resilience, 17-year-old International Master Christian Gian Carlo Arca has surged into a four-way tie for the lead at the prestigious Manny Pacquiao International Chess Open. The young Filipino prodigy achieved this feat by securing consecutive victories on Thursday, February 26, 2026, positioning himself as a formidable contender in the penultimate rounds of the competition held at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City.
A Remarkable Double Victory
Arca, the sole teenager competing among seasoned veterans, first toppled second seed Grand Master Pa Iniyan of India in an intense 71-move sixth-round marathon. He then followed up with a tactical triumph over compatriot GM Daniel Quizon in the seventh round. These back-to-back wins elevated his standing, placing him at the top alongside GM Novendra Priasmoro of Indonesia, GM Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria, and GM Platon Galperin of Sweden. All four leaders now boast 5.5 points as they approach the final two rounds of the tournament.
High-Stakes Final Rounds
As of press time on Friday, February 27, the competition intensified with Arca facing Naiditsch in Round 8, while Galperin clashed with Priasmoro. Six other players, each with five points, remain in hot pursuit of the $20,000 top prize, generously sponsored by boxing legend and chess enthusiast Manny Pacquiao. The tight leaderboard includes notable names such as GM Timur Gareyev, N.R. Visakh of India, and 2024 Pacquiao International Open champion IM Arif Abdul Hafiz of Indonesia.
Unbeaten Contenders and Key Performances
Naiditsch and Galperin have maintained unbeaten records, with four wins and three draws each. Naiditsch dashed the hopes of veteran Filipino IM Chito Garma in the seventh round, securing a victory with black pieces in a Three Knights opening. Meanwhile, Galperin, a 22-year-old Ukrainian-born player now representing Sweden after fleeing the 2022 Russian invasion, defeated third seed Tin Jingyao of Singapore.
Arca's journey to the top has been marked by a remarkable comeback. After an early loss to journeyman Alexis Emil Maribao in the second round, he has strung together four wins and a draw in the last five rounds. This impressive streak includes a morale-boosting victory over top seed Super Grandmaster Johan-Sebastian Christiansen of Norway, who holds an Elo rating of 2659.
Strategic Play and Tournament Significance
In his match against Quizon, the only grandmaster produced by the Philippines in the last 25 years, Arca showcased aggressive tactics. He employed the Reti Opening, executing dynamic play on the queenside to secure the win. The tournament, held in conjunction with General Santos City's 87th Kalilangan Festival, features a nine-round Swiss system and has attracted 16 grandmasters from 13 countries, making it one of the strongest chess events ever assembled in the Philippines.
The Manny Pacquiao International Chess Open continues to captivate audiences with its high-level competition and international flair, highlighting the growing popularity of chess in the region. As the final rounds unfold, all eyes are on the young IM Arca and his rivals as they vie for the coveted championship title and substantial prize purse.
