10-year-old girl from Pasig earns NM title

It was a dream come true for Nika Juris Nicolas of Pasig.

At just 10 years old, Nicolas achieved her dream after being granted the title of National Master by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) last June 9.

Despite being the only female participant in the boys 11-under division, Nicolas  captured medals in all categories –  silver in standard,  silver in blitz, and  bronze in rapid – in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finals held in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte last June 2-9.

The  feat drew comparisons with the success of  Janelle Mae Frayna, who made history by becoming the country’s first ever female Grandmaster.

Frayna’s long-time  coach, GM Jayson Gonzales, said Nicolascould easily be the country’s  next Frayna given the proper training and motivation.

Gonzales said the all-out support of Nicolas’ parents, Atty. Krisanto Karlo Nicolas, and   Atty. Nikki De Vega, also plays a key role in their daughter’s tremendous success.

“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 also serves as chess coach of UAAP champion Far Esstern University.

“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 CM, all of which require higher FIDE rating thresholds compared to their female equivalents.” Gonzales said 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.”

Up next for Nicolas, a grade 5 student at Victory International School-Pasig, is  the  ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand on June 17-27.