Philippine’s newest and youngest GM

So newest, youngest GM

A 14-YEAR-OLD has finally become the youngest Philippine chess grandmaster, and probably the country’s top player in a few years.

Wesley So drew with Iran’s top player, GM Ghaem Maghami, in the final round of the 3rd Prospero Pichay Cup International Open chess championship to score six points and gain the third and final result needed to become a grandmaster.

Leny So, Wesley’s mother, told Standard Today in a phone interview that she is very happy for her second of three children.

“We are happy because our prayers are answered,” said Leny, who has not called up Wesley since cell phones are turned off in playing area, but she will do so later in the evening.

Leny got the good news from Reggie Tee, who gives Wesley theoretical material, in a text message.

The draw that made him a grandmaster consoled Wesley, who had a modest showing in the GMA Cup. Wesley gained the second grandmaster result in the world juniors last month in Georgia, but it was a bittersweet campaign since he lost three games, which deprived him of the lead in the tournament.

This time, Wesley needs specialized training and more support to become a top flight grandmaster.

“He needs advanced training,” said Leny.

Here is the full story.