PSC cuts off financial support to Wesley So
The Philippine Sports Commission has announced it will freeze chess grandmaster Wesley So’s monthly allowance after he stated intentions to switch to the United States Chess Federation
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has announced it will freeze chess grandmaster Wesley So’s monthly allowance after he stated intentions to switch to the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
So, who became the youngest GM at 14, is one of the national team mainstays on the PSC’s priority athletes program that receive a monthly allowance of P40,000 ($911 USD).
PSC Chairman Ricardo Garcia said all funds and other incentives given by his agency to So will be put on hold as they await the final assessment done by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
“We want to know the real situation first with the NCFP. But while we are still awaiting for their official communication, we will be holding his (So) monthly allowance together with other assistance that he is about to get from the government,” Garcia said. (RELATED: Chess legend Eugene Torre rallies support for Wesley So’s US ambition)
The PSC chief said that So was a big loss to the country and added that it was the government sports agency who helped fund his international campaign for him to earn his World Chess Federation (Fide) title.
“[So] is a big loss. He is a very talented player. It will be long before we find another like him,” said Garcia.
In an email to Rappler, So clarified that he is not seeking American citizenship. “Right now I am not talking about changing citizenships, but just changing federations,” said So. “I don’t need to be a citizen to be able to play for another country.”
The 20-year-old Bacoor, Cavite-born So, who is currently studying at Webster University in Missouri, chose to shift federations to concentrate on becoming a professional chess player where he hopes to crack the top 10 in the world rankings.
“This is not an easy decision. But it is the best decision for me to have a chance to be a top 10 player in the world, and perhaps one day fight for the World Championship crown,” said the currently 15th-ranked So in a letter to the NCFP.
“This is where I will have the opportunity to improve my chess and make a decent living as a professional player. I want to be able to play in top level tournaments… to get to the next level.” – Rappler.com with reports from Ryan Songalia
Source: http://www.rappler.com
Shameful decision. Shame on all the politicians.
Shameful decision. Shame on all the politicians.
Another good reporting from Philippine media, FINALLY they understand about FIDE rules and that Wesley So is not changing or seeking US citizenship but only CHANGING FEDERATION. The whole citizenship confusion is starting to finally be clear and Philippine media reporting it as what Wesley So wanted to. Kuddos to you Mr. Ryan Sangolia of Rappler. You are well informed, well-researched and educated sports writer as your reporting is an accurate representation of the real situation and what Wesley So really wanted to in the first without using the US citizenship argument. THANK YOU – JayZ
This guy Mr. Ryan Songolia of Rappler Philippines perhaps read all the comments under Susan Polgar’s blog on Wesley So thats why he knows Fide rules and drop the Wesley So seeking US citizenship argument. Great article, it makes me smile 🙂
Heard this guy, Pichay, the politico from Surigao Prov. over the radio broadcast, the hardheaded head of ncfp brags he has produced more grandmasters than his predessors. Moreover, He has been instrumental for gm wes success and in going to the US. Is that true? Well, gm wes’ success was seen even before pichay entered ncfp. Producing more grandmaster titles doesnt make sense. Whats important is QUALITY not QUANTITY.
These politicos are liars.They trumpet accomplishments so they can further bled dry the country by corruption. While they hang on Gulp(Este Golf), women, casinos, etc. Players endures coffee using water from bath heaters or march to the nearest Phil embassy to beg for support or sell house and lot to participate in tournaments.
The result. the philippines drifted further and further in rank in the Olympiads. 50th at the latest while prior to their watch of ncfp even reached 7th rank. thanks to these ncfp politicos and low quality GMs! Yet, they even accuse that they are more patriotic than their players!!!