Pasig City has birthed the Philippines’ first female Chess National Master in 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas. Aside from being among the nation’s top fledging talent in Chess, the nod marks a historic milestone in an otherwise male-dominated field.
Photo caption: The NCFP awards Nika Juris Nicolas National Master title
Nicolas was the sole female competitor when she won the under-11 boys division for the 2023 National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) National Youth and Schools Chess Championships. The national eliminations were held from March 24 to 27 at Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Nicolas, who regularly competes in the boys division, was the only player to win a medal in all three events: silvers for standard chess and blitz, and a bronze for rapid at the grand finals held in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte from June 2 to 9.
Grandmaster and NCFP Chief Executive Officer Jayson Gonzales confirmed the news on a social media post.
Per Manila Times, Nicolas is set to compete in the ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand from June 17 to 27. She will be gunning for the International Chess Federation (FIDE) title in the Women’s division.
