National Master Nika Juris Nicolas bagged the sixth place honor at the conclusion of the Marienbad Open 2026 Blitz Tournament 24th International Chess Festival was held at the Continental Hotel, Marianske Lazne in Czech Republic Thursday.
The 11-year-old NM Nika earned 7.0 points on account of seven wins and three losses, the same output of FM Ondrej Matras of Czech Republic, IM Angus Dunnington of Scotland, and CM Mario Hofstadler of Austria.
Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England won the tournament with 9.0 points, half point ahead with 2nd placer FM Florian Mosbauer of Austria and 3rd placer IM Alexander Alexikov of Ukraine who totes 8.5 points apiece.
FM Roberto Alejandro Avila Bautista of Mexico and Mark Ouaki of Belgium finished fourth and fifth with 8.0 points each.
Actually NM Nika, chess standout from Pasig City got a memorable experience as she battled it out in the final round in Board 1 against eventual winner GM Arkell according to her mother lawyer Nikki de Vega.
“ 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 Merienbad Open Blitz Tournament 2026. Up against titled and high rated players, Baby Nika held her ground, defeated gentleman from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany and gained roughly 200 rating points! Mabuhay ang Pinay,” posted by lawyer Nikki in her Facebook account.
