Eleven-year-old National Master Nika Juris Nicolas from Pasig City finished sixth at the Marienbad Open 2026 Blitz Tournament in the Czech Republic. She scored 7.0 points amid strong international competition, tying with players from several nations. The event highlighted her battle against top grandmasters, including a final-round matchup with the winner.
The 24th International Chess Festival's Marienbad Open 2026 Blitz Tournament concluded at the Continental Hotel in Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic, on Thursday. National Master Nika Juris Nicolas, an 11-year-old chess prodigy from Pasig City, earned a commendable sixth place with 7.0 points from seven wins and three losses. Her score tied her with FM Ondrej Matras of the Czech Republic, IM Angus Dunnington of Scotland, and CM Mario Hofstadler of Austria.
Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England claimed victory with a perfect 9.0 points, leading by half a point over second-place finisher FM Florian Mosbauer of Austria and third-place IM Alexander Alexikov of Ukraine, both with 8.5 points. Fourth and fifth positions went to FM Roberto Alejandro Avila Bautista of Mexico and Mark Ouaki of Belgium, respectively, each scoring 8.0 points.
A highlight for Nicolas came in the final round, where she faced Arkell on Board 1. Though she lost that game, her mother, lawyer Nikki de Vega, celebrated the achievement on Facebook: “What a memorable experience for Baby Nika as she battled it out in the final round in Board 1 against Grandmaster Keith Arkell from England. Baby Nika may have lost in the final round but she placed 6th overall in the Marienbad Open Blitz Tournament 2026. Up against titled and high rated players, Baby Nika held her ground, defeated opponents from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany and gained roughly 200 rating points! Mabuhay ang Pinay.”
This performance marks a strong international debut for the young Filipino player, showcasing her potential against seasoned competitors.
