I have known GM Torre going back for decades, back in the Bobby Fischer days. He brought pride to the Philippines as a player. He knows about the challenges to reach the top without the proper support. Now he is a wonderful Ambassador for chess in the RP. I am very thankful for his support of Wesley, as a mentor, and an advocate.
Chess legend Eugene Torre rallies support for Wesley So’s US ambition
‘We have to give 101% full support to Wesley,’ says Torre
Ryan Songalia
Published 10:04 PM, Jun 14, 2014
Updated 11:42 PM, Jun 14, 2014
CHESS LEGEND. Eugene Torre holds up his award from Thursday’s Pagpupugay event at Resorts World Manila. Photo by Josh Albelda
MANILA, Philippines – Eugene Torre can relate to the situation Wesley So finds himself in these days.
Forty years ago, Torre was the prodigious leading light of Philippine chess, becoming Asia’s first grandmaster at age 22 in 1974. In his footsteps is So, the 20-year-old Cavite native who achieved the same lifetime distinction at age 14, becoming the eighth youngest to accomplish the feat.
With success comes the pressure of making the decisions best suited for their continued prosperity.
When So, No. 19th FIDE ranked player in the world, announced this week that he was seeking his release from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines so he could transfer to the US Chess Federation, his decision was met with derision on social media.
Torre, now 62, feels that the Philippines should rally behind one of its native sons as he seeks the best opportunities to advance his career.
“We have to give 101% full support to Wesley because he’s now in a position where he knows he would be the only one to know what is best for him because we are not there,” Torre told Rappler on Thursday, June 12, at Resorts World Manila, where he was honored at the Gabi ng Pagpupugay (A Night of Tribute) event.
“I think he is getting a serious training there, then we should give him the full support because he’s already in the position to be ambitious to become a challenger and even to become world champion.”
So, who studies at Webster College in Webster Groves, Missouri, is currently in Las Vegas to defend his title at the Las Vegas International Chess Open. He told ABS-CBN that he has no intention of giving up his Filipino citizenship; his motivation is to play amongst the best talents possible.
“First of all, I’ll be their number 2 player behind (Hikaru Nakamura) who is the number 7 chess player in the world,” said So. “And so I’ll be able to work with stronger players. That’s one of the things I like when I moved here to the Webster University because and I’m working with strong grandmasters and I’m working with them everyday.”
This is a position that Torre supported, emphasizing that So was not turning his back on the nation he was born in.
“He wants only to represent the US federation but he’s not renouncing his citizenship as a Filipino. He’s still a Filipino, that’s why the more reason we should give our full support for his ambition.”
Eugene Torre addresses the audience at Resorts World Manila. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
Under rules of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), a player can transfer if his federation allows him or if he pays a fee of 50,000 euros (PHP2,962,454). If his federation does not allow him to transfer, he will not be able to compete in any FIDE rated tournament for two years.
So says that he has no means to pay the transfer fee, adding that he felt the NCFP was punishing him by “refusing to consent” to his plans.
“No player should be treated this way especially when I worked so hard to bring pride to my country,” added So.
Full article: http://www.rappler.com
Where was Nakamura on that day?
GM Eugene Torre has always been a gentleman. If anybody, he knows the struggles that a Filipino chess player has to go through in the quest to reach one’s maximum potential.
There are stories that GM Torre even had to sell chess clocks to support his campaign against GM Portisch while attempting to qualify and challenge for the world championship.
We should all support GM Wesley So’s decision, wish him well and enjoy the beautiful games that he will continue to give us.
Nakamura is better than anyone in the picture. Yes he is better than Fischer, Torre, and all the Polgar sisters. Why this article? Focus on Nakamura everyday pls. Thanks.
This guy GM Eugene Torre should have been the National Chess Federation of the Philippines President and NOT that CORRUPT Pichay. At least he is a chess player who understands the feelings and sentiments of chess players. They should also fire that ARROGANT and LOW-LIFE GM Jayson Gonzales the NCFP Executive Director though he is a chess officials he knows nothing/shit about the true feelings and sentiments of its members as he, together with Pichay is busy SIPPHONING the FUNDS of NCFP which comes from the government. SHAME ON BOTH OF YOU Pichay and GONZALES. Both of you guys are the real UNPATRIOTIC and people who dont look back where you came from all of your concerns are how to CORRUPT NCFP Funds. BULLSHIT!
Strong and bold Move By Filipino Icon GM Eugene Torre. Hats Off!! (Bow) And regarding the comment Above he must be in that Position. He can elected in the near future for better reform for Filipino chess.
Strong and bold Move By Filipino Icon GM Eugene Torre. Hats Off!! (Bow) And regarding the comment Above he must be in that Position. He can elected in the near future for better reform for Filipino chess.
Strong and bold Move By Filipino Icon GM Eugene Torre. Hats Off!! (Bow) And regarding the comment Above he must be in that Position. He can elected in the near future for better reform for Filipino chess.
Based on the TV-4 Good Morning Boss sport balita (June 11, 2014) .. It’s not the NCFP holds the transfer of GM Weley So … as far as I understand.
Try to analyze the comment of NCFP member GM Torre … he agreed on the transfer or change of federation and he is one of the co-founder of NCFP. To this I guess we hear the side of the NCFP.
How about the POC President says that “Pagtraydor sa bayan” with this comment it’s not the NCFP who has the last say on this issue. Remember the POC (Philippines Olympic Committee) is the one allocating the budget of its member and NCFP is one of its member.
Through this, it is not only the NCFP involve in it’s decision making but also the association as a whole within the Olympic committee.
We want to see him (Wesley So) climbing up his world ranking and compete in the word title cycle but there is always a hindrance that need to overcame, hoping he will get the support of NCFP and nod of POC officials … Good luck hope you will succeed on this other side of board battle. Wish you all the best!!!
Taken from http://www.philboxing.com – thread “xxx Project 2750 +++ GM Wesley So page 1,115” – WESLEY SO: You all know very well that I will never lose may Filipino personality. Stop hating. To the chess fans: Help
me in my bid to becone a World Title contender. This year and next year are very crucial for my development. I have weigh the pros and cons of my decision carefully and I firmly believe this is for the best not only for me, but I also for my country. I can always return and represent the Philippibes once I reach the very top.” – Sincerely, Grandmaster Wesley So
Taken fron http://www.philboxing.com – thread “xxx Project 2750 +++ GM Wesley So”: WESLEY SO – ” And to JOEY JEREOS, thank you for all tge wonderful things you’ve done to Philippibe Chess. Don’t think that no one noticed your hardwork all these years. I first know you in 2008, that was eternity ago! You deserve all the credit for keeping us updated with the live rating, schedule and news about our Filipino players on the internet. Our chess federation should also notice this and reward you just as you deserve. Being the top player of the Philippines, we appreciate all that you’ve done. Keep up the good work.” – All the best, Grandmaster Wesley So
Taken from http://www.philboxing.con – thread “xxx Project 2750 +++ GM Wesley So page 1,115”: WESLEY SO – “All that is left now is to convince Mr. Pichay to agree to let me transfer federations. Disagreeibg to it won’t benefit them in any way but it would seriously hamper my chess development. I’ve known Mr. Pichay for many years. Beibg a reasonable and intelligent president who loves chess I am very confident that he would help me reach my goals to make the country and the Filipino community proud by letting me transfer for now. As they say in the NCFP slogan “Make the right move!”
ADMIRABLE! Even if his NCFP President is playing hardball and POC Chairman lambasting him for his decision to transfer federation, he is still a GENTLEMEN with HUMILITY and a person who always appreciate little things done to him and fellow chess players. Kuddos to you GM Wesley So, you are a rare breed.
Vote GM Eugene Torre as NCFP President!!!
GM Wesley So is the best chess player in Asia. Now, i wish he become the best player in America.
And Pichay the best Chess Federation President in Asia? HAHAHA!
GM Eugene Torre should be the National Chess Federation of the Philippines President. If Pichay has “delicadeza” he should RESIGN his post. GM Jayson Gonzales should also go as he is not helping the institution. They should also consider replacing the entire NCFP Board of Directors as most of them are politicians not real chess supporters. It was a mistake for them to elect Pichay to the NCFP Presidency considering he was just dismiss from government service with no moral values to lead an institution. About the only reason why Pichay wants the NCFP Presidency is because he wants to stay relevant of sort and position as he is now completely barred from holding any position in government due to his dishinorable dismissal. And he needs money and it so happen that the NCFP is stupid enough to entrust their organization and funds to a proven corrupt person. Birds of the same feather flocks together I suppose lol