Two Filipino students emerge as champion and 1st-runner up in the recently concluded 3rd BRAND'S SUDOKU Thailand International Open 2009 Princess Somsawali Cup held at Central Court and Forum Zone, Central World, Bangkok, Thailand from April 18-19, 2009. John Robert Valcos, a 2nd year college student of St Mary's College of Baliwag, Bulacan won the championship round. He was awarded with a trophy, Brand’s Essence of Chicken products and a cash prize of US$5000. 

Trailing with just one point difference from the champion’s score was Sarah Jane Cua, the 2nd year high school student of Pangasinan Universal Institute in Dagupan City. Sarah won a trophy, Brand’s Essence of Chicken products and a cash prize of sixty thousand Thailand Baht. She was the Brand's Asia-Pacific Open 2008 champion held at Singapore. 

The elimination round was participated in by more than 100 Sudoku puzzlers from different countries such as India, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines. After the five rounds, the top five scorers proceeded to the Final round was Sarah Jane who was the top scorer followed by a participant from India and two participants from Thailand with John Robert slated on the 5th place.  

Sarah Jane and John Robert were the champion and the 1^st runner-up respectively in the 3rd Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge held last January, 2009.

The other Pinoy participants composing the Philippine team who went to compete in the 3rd BRAND'S SUDOKU Thailand International Open 2009 were Timothy James Tan of Trinity Christian School-Bacolod City, Mariel Alexis Dee and Mark Benedict Tan of Ateneo de Manila University, Ma. Czarina Angela Lao of St. Jude Catholic School-Manila, Michelle Neri ofSacred Heart of Jesus, Montessori School-Cagayan de Oro City, Nathaniel Ryan Ang of Philadelpia High School - Quezon City, Mark Davidson Cua ofPangasinan Universal Institute - Dagupan City, Matthew Chris Chan of St. Stephen High School - Manila City and Jayhan Regner, Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro City.  

The Philippine delegation was supervised and headed by Mathematics Trainers' Guild, Philippines headed by Dr. Simon L. Chua, MTG, President together with Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, Dean of College of Education and Normal, Arellano University - Legarda and VP for Training and Development, MTG Philippines, Mr. Roberto Degolacion, Executive Director, MTG Philippines. Mr. Arvie Ubarro of Philippine Institute of Quezon City and Board of Director, MTG Philippines and Marilene Ramos of St. Mary's College of Baliwag and MTG center coordinator.