| Metropoler

Cu becomes PH newest FIDE Master

By Ma11rlon Bernardino

Chess ‘wunderkind’ Ivan Travis Cu made the country proud anew by finishing 2nd overall in the Hanoi IM chess tournament recently at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center in Vietnam.

The 15-year-old Cu finished the round-robin tournament with six points from five wins, two draws, and two losses. Cu, an incoming Grade 10 student of Xavier School San Juan, gained 44.4 ELO points, which will be added to his current rating of 2266 as of May 1.

Cu broke the 2300 barrier to complete his requirement for the FIDE (FM) Master title according to FIDE Handbook rules.

“I cannot explain how happy I am. I dedicate this victory to my countrymen. It’s an honor to represent our country,” Cu said.

Among those supporting his chess campaign here and abroad are Xavier School, its administrators and alumni, San Juan City LGU led by city leaders Mayor Francis Zamora, VM Angelo Agcaoili, Congresswoman Bel Zamora, and Coun. Herbert Chua of Addition Hills, PAGCOR, Go For Gold PH, NCFP, under the leadership of Cong. Prospero Pichay, GM Jayson Gonzales, and other anonymous sponsors.

Cu defeated FM Masruri Rahman of Indonesia, IM Angelo Abundo Young of the Philippines, IM Dao Minh Nhat of Vietnam, IM Farid Firman Syah of Indonesia, and CM Aashman Gupta of India. He split the points with IM Ricardo De Guzman and FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines. He lost to ACM Duong Vu Anh of Vietnam and FM Vrashank Chouhan of India. It shall be recalled that Cu emerged as the champion in the boys’ secondary chess tournament of the 2024 National Capital Regional Athletic Association (NCRAA) held from April 22-25, 2024 at the Las Piñas Elementary School (Central), Conference Room in Las Piñas City.

Cu pocketed the individual gold medal for ruling the tournament which fielded over 30 woodpushers. He joined his younger brother Jericho Winston Cu to give San Juan City the team gold medal. The siblings Cu are playing under the mentorship of Xavier School San Juan coach International Arbiter Rolando “Rolly” Yutuc and International Master Jan Emmanuel “Jem” Garcia.

Photo: Cu (right) receives the silver medal from the organizer.