A 16-year old Sudoku expert from Pangasinan Universal Institute bested 50 other Asian student and professional participants from Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Thailand in the recently concluded BRAND’S® Sudoku Challenge 2010 Asia Pacific Open in Singapore' largest mall, the Suntec City on October 17, 2010.
The champion for the second time, Sarah Jane Cua, 4th year high school student, won First Place bagging the S$10,000 cash prize, S$300 BRAND’S® Hamper, Trophy and Certificate. Sarah surprised the judges just as she stunned the excited spectators when she finished the final puzzle ahead of the other finalists. As usual, she answered the puzzle with ease but with much care, precision and organized strategy which helped her way up, leaving her mark and making the Philippines in the headlines of many periodicals in Singapore. The participants from Malaysia and Singapore were slated 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
The other Filipino participant was Timothy James Tan of Trinity Christian School of Bacolod City who was placed as one of the top 15 finalists in the semi-finals.
In 2008, Sarah Jane Cua was placed second in the 3rd Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge. She represented the Philippines in the BRAND’S® Sudoku Challenge 2008 in Singapore where she was champion for the first time, bringing home similar prizes.
She was also winner for two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010 in the Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge, the competition which opened several opportunities for her to represent the Philippines in Sudoku contest in Thailand and the USA.
The BRAND’S® Sudoku Challenge 2010 Asia Pacific Open is a competition for the best of the best where challengers have been placed in the top three spots of national level Sudoku competitions or have been nominated by their country’s Sudoku association as the country’s representative. The participants have demonstrated expert ability to solve Sudoku puzzles for the title of Asia's best Sudoku player.
In this feat, Sarah received the salute and accolade of her countrymen for the honor and recognition that confirms the capability of the Filipinos not just to stand at par with their foreign counterparts but to soar above their noted competencies.

The MTG President, Dr. Simon L. Chua is very jubilant at the development. He said, "I congratulate Sarah Jane for this exceptional performance which makes our nation stand taller, feel prouder and shine brighter."