NIKA Juris Nicolas as the next Janelle Mae Frayna?

It seems far-fetched at the moment, but Frayna’s long-time mentor-coach, GM Jayson Gonzales, said a case could easily be made for Nicolas in a few years’ time.

And the reason?

Gonzales believes Nicolas, the 10-year-old prodigy from Pasig, has the skills and talents to become a world-class chess player.

Gonzales said Nicolas gave a glimpse to the future when she showed flashes of brilliance despite being the only female participant in the boys 11-under division in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finalsheld in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte last June 2-9.

At just 10 years old, Nicolas has been granted the title of National Master by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) after winning medals in all categories, including a silver in standard, a silver in blitz, and a bronze in rapid competitions.

“She is the future of Philippine chess. The fact she demonstrated her talent with amazing performances in her several achievements, then the country can hope for a world class athlete, if not a would be renowned and astounding Chess Grandmaster in the making.”said Gonzales, also the Chief Executive Officer of the NCFP.

“This is not the first time Nika (Nicolas) has achieved remarkable success in chess. Previously, she emerged as the champion in the 11-under boys division of the NCFP National Eliminations for the same event held in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last March 24-27,”added Gonzales, who helped Frayna make history by becoming the country’s first WGM in 2017.

“Her exceptional performance in the boys’ division is truly noteworthy, and she has now secured her place in Philippine chess history as the country’s first and only National Master, who is female.
It is quite uncommon for women to compete in Open Divisions since it is usually preferred that they join the separate division for women.”

“In fact, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) maintains separate titles for boys/open categories, such as GM, IM, FM, and even Candidate Master, all of which require higher FIDE rating thresholds compared to their female equivalents.”

Gonzales claimed these well-known facts exposed the existing gender disparities in the field of chess.

“But Nika’s historic accomplishment as the first and only female National Master in the Philippines breaks social barriers and challenges the notion of male dominance in chess.”

Nicolas, whose campaign is being fully supported by her father, Atty. Krisanto Karlo Nicolas, and mother, NCFP Legal Counsel Atty. Nikki De Vega, is set to compete in ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand on June 17-27.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya