National Master Ivan Travis Cu of the Philippines fell half a point short of topping a round-robin tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam but settled for runner-up honors to International Master Farid Firman Syah of Indonesia on Sunday, May 26.

The 15-year-old Cu finished with 6.0 points to place second behind Syah, who scored 6.5 points, in the tournament.

More importantly, the incoming grade 10 student of Xavier School in San Juan gained 44.4 Elo points which will be added to his current rating of 2266.

When Fide, the world's governing body in chess, updates its player ratings next week, Cu would have surpassed the 2300 barrier needed to complete his requirement to become a full-fledged Fide Master.

The Philippines’ Ivan Travis Cu (right) receives his runner-up trophy from the organizer of the chess tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam last Sunday, May 26. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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

In the tournament, Cu scored victories against Fide Master Masruri Rahman of Indonesia, International Master Angelo Abundo Young of the Philippines, International Master Dao Minh Nhat of Vietnam, International Master Farid Firman Syah of Indonesia and Candidate Master Aashman Gupta of India.

He also drew with fellow Filipinos International Master Ricardo De Guzman and Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca.

Playing under the guidance of Xavier School coach Rolando Yutuc and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Cu recently topped the boys secondary chess tournament of the 2024 National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA).

Cu, meanwhile, thanked the administrators and alumni association of Xavier School, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, VM Angelo Agcaoili, Congresswoman Bel Zamora, Councilor Herbert Chua of Addition Hills, PAGCOR, Go For Gold PH, NCFP president Prospero Pichay and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales for supporting his chess campaign here and abroad.

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