Arca scores big reversal vs Gustafsson

MANILA, Philippines —  Filipino FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca pulled off a stunning win over Grandmaster Jan Gustafsson of Germany last Tuesday in the third round of the Bangkok Open.

Relying on an opening novelty in a King’s Indian Attack formation, the Panabo, Davao del Norte native unnerved the top-seeded German in a 39-move win that kept him in the title hunt and in contention for a GM norm.

Arca was battling another GM in English Stephen Gordon in the fourth round yesterday.

At the helm with a pristine score of three points, Arca was joined by 11 others including countrymen, International Masters Michael Concio, Jr. and Paulo Bersamina.

Concio, who is also a GM candidate, dismantled Iranian Behnood Delavari’s Sicilian Defense in 35 moves.