Wesley So, the country’s youngest Grandmaster, is set to go abroad to concentrate on his studies for the coming year while still pursuing his career in chess.
“Mag-aaral na ako sa university. Nag-stop ako for two years. Right now, 18 na ako, itutuloy ko na ang studies ko,” So said in an interview with InterAKTV.
So, who recently took home a gold medal in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in the men’s individual blitz, said that he will either study in the United States or in Canada for college. He will also participate in chess tilts abroad to continue honing his skills.
“May offers ako doon. Pero ok naman pareho dahil ‘yung university nila, every month may mga laro at makakasali ako sa chess team nila,” said So.
So’s undertaking of pursuing his studies will appear to decrease his tournament appearances locally but he assured that he will still be available for international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.
“Yung mga international competitions, sasali ako para sa bayan. Kapag summer vacation, I can join local tournaments here,” So said.
One big tournament for 2012 will be the 40th World Chess Olympiad to be held in Istanbul, Turkey where the very best woodpushers converge.
When asked if he wants to compete in the Chess Olympiad, So’s answer was “sure.”
Two years ago, the Philippines finished a lowly 50th place with a men’s team composed of So, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo, Richard Bitoon and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
A women’ team of Cheradee Camacho, Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua, Rulp Ylem Jose and Jedara Docena also competed in the event finishing 44th.
The country hosted the biennial competition in 1992.
source by Reuben Terrado, InterAKTV
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