Chess prodigy So on track of ‘Super GM’ rank
10/03/2008 05:56 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino teen chess prodigy Wesley So remains on track of reaching his goal of becoming the country’s second “Super Grandmaster” after breaking the 2600 ELO rating.

Mark Paragua was the first Filipino Super GM.

Based on the October results posted at the World Chess Federation (FIDE) website, So now has a 2610 ELO to remain the Philippines’ top woodpusher. Super GMs are those with an ELO rating of 2700 or more.

So, who turns 15 on October 9 and currently the world’s youngest GM, is also ranked 11th among the Top 20 Junior chess players in the world.

Placing second to So in the Philippine ranking is Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre who has an ELO rating of 2560 while GM Mark Paragua is at third with 2526.

Rounding up the Philippines’ Top 10 players are International Master John Paul Gomez (fourth, 2519), GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (fifth, 2515), GM Darwin Laylo (sixth, 2507), Rolando Nolte (seventh, 2489), IM Joseph Sanchez (eighth, 2471), GM Jayson Gonzales (ninth, 2469) and GM Bong Villamayor (10th 2468).

The Philippines also placed 34th in the rank by country based on its eight GMs, 22 IMs and a total of 43 titled chess players. The Philippines has an ELO rating of 2513 just a point behind Switzerland at 33rd spot.

– GMANews.TV

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