Wesley So happy to see Pinoy chess aces get to play as pros

Wesley So left the Philippines in 2013, disgruntled with the way politics is creeping its way into sports, chess in particular.

Over 8 years later, when he has carved a name with the United States chess federation and the world, So couldn’t help but notice the positive attention Filipino chess players have been getting of late.

So, who went as high as No. 2 in the world behind Magnus Carlsen and one of only 12 chess players in history to breach the Elo 2800 mark, was elated by the creation of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) which is now holding its inaugural All-Filipino tournament.

On January 30, So, the reigning US national champion and Fischer Random king posted: “So proud the Philippines is making an effort to recognize their chess players!!! Happy I have lived to see the day they are recognized as professionals. Brains over Brawn. Congratulations to the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines PCAP!”

So, who also won the Skilling Open, the first leg of the Champions Chess Tour, earlier sent a message to PCAP on the first players draft on December 30, when the 24 competing teams chose among the titled players available.

Thus far, the PCAP All-Filipino has held 9 rounds with the Negros Kingsmen and Caloocan Load Manna Knights holding court with perfect 9 points.

On Wednesday, Negros and Caloocan will dangle their clean slates against the Camarines Eagles and the Isabela Raiders, respectively.

The Kingsmen, composed of Fide Master Nelson Mariano III, FM Randy Segarra, AGM Rowelyn Acedo, FM Rosendo Bandal Jr, and  International Master Joel Pimentel, are on top of the South division.

They will be battling the Grandmaster Mark Paragua-led Eagles, their closest pursuers with an 8-1 slate.

Powered by IMs Paolo Bersamina and Jan Emmanuel Garcia, the Knights are favored to extend their win-run against the 5-4 Raiders.

The featured match on the sixth day of competitions pits the Manila Indios Bravos (7-2) against the Laguna Heroes (7-2).

– Rappler.com