Ivan Travis Cu (G7G) won the championship in the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grand Finals Under-12 Boys Division. Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, Ivan overcame a loss and a draw on the first day to rally steadily in the next rounds of this FIDE-rated tournament. (International Chess Federation commonly referred to by its French acronym FIDE)

A grueling 11-round grand finals, each of the 12 finalists went through two rounds of qualification tournaments — a selection tournament by region (North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), and a semi finals. The top 12 players advanced to the grand finals. 

The grand finals was played in a round robin, standard chess format. FIDE hybrid chess tournament rules were used. Each player is required to play under the supervision of an arbiter who is physically present in the same venue as the player.

Mentored by Xavier Varsity Coach IA Rolando Yutuc and a host of other nationally and internationally renowned chess personalities, Ivan also qualified to the grand finals of the Under-16 division where he placed sixth among older boys. A week earlier, Ivan took second place in the National Youth and Schools Under-13 Boys tournament. He may play for the country in the next Asian Youth and Schools Tournament. 

With this win, Ivan will receive the Candidate National Master (CNM) title, and 2 National Master norms. 3 National Master norms are required to get the National Master (NM) title, and Ivan is well on his way to achieve that. No other Xaverian chess player has attained this title. He will also be representing the Philippines in the FIDE Online Cadets and Youth Rapid World Cup in August.

Congratulations, Ivan!

Luceat Lux!