A female player has been awarded the prestigious title of National Master for the first time in the country's history.
Jayson Gonzales, the CEO of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, took to social media to announce that the NCFP has granted the National Master title to 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas from Pasig City.
Typically, this title is exclusively given to male players who participate in tournaments dominated by their male counterparts. Meanwhile, female players who excel in the competition receive the Woman National Master title.
Remarkably, Nicolas has consistently competed in both boys and open divisions, often emerging victorious despite being the sole female participant.
Nicolas showcased her talent with her outstanding performance in the national eliminations of the 2023 NCFP National Youth and Schools Chess Championships.
Held in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental from March 24 to 27, Nicolas triumphed in the under-11 boys division.
Nicolas continued to impress at the grand finals of the same event for boys in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, from June 2 to 9.
She was the only player in her division to secure medals in all three categories: a silver in standard chess, a silver in blitz, and a bronze in rapid.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements and her breakthrough in the male-dominated chess scene, the NCFP proudly awarded Nicolas the title of National Master.
It is worth noting that traditional gender disparities exist within the hierarchy of chess titles. Men generally receive titles of higher prestige compared to their female counterparts.
The World Chess Federation itself imposes higher FIDE rating thresholds for men when granting titles such as Grandmaster, International Master, FIDE Master, and Candidate Master.
Nicolas is widely regarded as the brightest rising star in Philippine chess, and her future holds immense promise.
Her next challenge is the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 17 to 27, 2023. There, she aims to secure the Woman FIDE Master title.
Additionally, Nicolas is set to participate in the 1st Professional Chess Association of the Philippines National Interschool Championship scheduled for next month.
Representing the VCIS-Homeschool Global Chess Team alongside National Master Antonella Berthe Racasa, Gabriel Ryan Paradero, Andrew Toledo, and Aron Toledo, she will be under the guidance of team coach Robert Racasa.
