Arca, Canino off to good start in 7th Asean chessfest

Mindanao's biggest hope for a grandmaster title Christian Gian Carlo Arca of Zamboanga City and Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City were off to a good start  in the 7th Asean Individual Chess Championships being hosted by Governor Henry Oaminal Sr and the province of Misamis Occidental. Both full-pledged International Masters, Arca and Canino are gearing to sustain their winning ways in round 2 of the men and women's open divisions, respectively on Wednesday at the Mildives-like Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban town. Only seeded 24th, the white-wielding 2349-rated Arca shocked the 4th seed International Master Shrivatri Anuj (2450) from India in a wild attacking game, while the 9th seed Canino overwhelmed unrated compatriot Kate Nicole Ordizo on Tuesday's opening round action. So impressive was Arca's handling of the London system which saw him giving up a Bishop in exchange of two unstoppable passed pawns that led to Anuj's eventual resignation. "I think I'm playing now with more composure after my heartbreaking experience here last year. I'm supposed to earn an outright GM title during the 6th Asean but mishandled a winning position in the final round against a Woman FIDE Master from Mongolia," the 18-year-old Canino told the Manila...