John Robert Valcos, 17, and Sarah Jane Cua, 14, wrested the top two spots in the keenly contested Brand’s Thailand International Sudoku Open 2009, from a field of more than 100 contestants from 6 countries. Both are students in the Philippines.

After 5 grueling rounds lasting about two hours, the top five who made it to the Final Round were Cua, followed by Gaurav? Korde of India, two participants from Thailand (names given in Thai) and Valcos.

Sarah Jane Cua (pic) was the Brand’s Asia Pacific Sudoku Open champion in Singapore last year. She also emerged as champion in the 3rd Phillipine Sudoku Super Challenge in Jan. 2009. Valcos was runner-up.

(Note: We would like to receive photos of Valcos, Cua, Korde and the two Thai finalists with their names, with permission to post, and a first hand report.? Thanks)