By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Filipino International Master (IM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca on Thursday defeated Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan to gain a share of second place after six rounds in the Manny Pacquiao International Open at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City.
The Zamboanga City-based Arca now has 4.5 points, the same score of Bulgarian GM Arkadij Naiditsch, Singaporean GM Tin Jingyao, Filipino IM Chito Garma, Swiss GM Peng Li Min, Swedish GMs Vitaly Sivuk and Platon Galperin and Indian GM Visakh N R.
“I hope I can sustain the momentum,” said Arca, who split the points with top seed Norwegian GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in the fourth round before beating compatriot Sherwin Tiu in the fifth.
Indonesian GM Novendra Priasmoro settled for a draw with Indian GM Visakh N R to remain on top with 5.0 points.
Organized by Pacman Chess Association, the five-day Standard (90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control format) event offers USD20,000 to the champion. (PNA)
