FIDE Master Arca needs to sweep last two rounds to earn GM norm

FILIPINO FIDE MASTER Christian Gian Karlo Arca got slowed down in his bid for a Grandmaster (GM) norm after he drew with countryman International Master (IM) Pau Bersamina after seven rounds of the Bangkok Chess Club Open in Thailand on Saturday.

The 16-year-old Mr. Arca came out a pawn up in the opening phase of their King’s Indian Attack duel but failed to convert it into an edge before forcing a 41-move draw by repetition.

That kept Mr. Arca stranded in a group at No. 4 with 5.5 points, which included Mr. Bersamina and another countryman, IM Michael Concio, Jr., a 63-move winner over Chinese Zhang Haoxuan in a Queen’s Pawn London System.

But the Panabo, Davao del Norte bet could still earn a GM norm if sweeps his last two games, including one versus Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly in the eighth and penultimate round.

Mr. Arca could settle for an IM norm — his third if it happens — if he could just get a point. — Joey Villar