Torre eyed as PHL chess team coach in Indonesia SEA Games
06/25/2011 | 05:48 PM
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is eyeing to tap veteran Grandmaster (GM) Eugene Torre as the country’s coach in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.
The 2011 SEA Games will be held in Palembang province on November 11 to 25.
“GM Torre is well-respected as a chess player not only here in the country but in the world, he will be a perfect choice to coach our (team) to the SEA Games,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino.
“No one deserves it more than him (Torre),” added Tolentino, who also happens to be the president of UCI-recognized PhilCycling.
Young players to lead PHL’s quest for gold
Torre, 59, said he wants young players like GM Wesley So to be part of the National team in the biennial meet.
He said that he would be more than willing to help in team’s preparation either as a trainer, non-playing team captain or as coach.
“The young guys should play in the SEA Games especially since there is a rapid event there where we know our players are strong,” Torre said. “As far as I’m concerned, whatever capacity I can contribute I’ll be there because I know I’m a good soldier.”
Torre, however, made it clear that he is not yet retiring from active competition since there are still several tournaments he is scheduled to participate in including the upcoming Battle of the GMs.
For flag and country
He also hopes to earn a slot in the Philippine Team that will see action in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey where he is aiming to become the record-holder with the most number of participants at 20.
“If we’ll get that chance, why not? I just want to contribute to the team any way I can for flag and country,” he said.
Torre also wants the team to match, if not surpass, the seventh place finish of the team he led in the 1988 Thessaloniki Olympiad.
“It would be harder today because there are more stronger teams now because of the dissolution of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia,” said Torre. “But with the proper preparation and a little luck, it can be done.” – JVP, GMA News
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv
Torre should still compete. He’s 2600 at least.
Give the other talents a chance Eugene. You had your time. You never change, always being selfish. What else do you have to prove?
Yeah Torre.. Tamas mo naman, you can always play in the Senior tournaments.
Torre had a bad record actually for Philippine chess, as the Philippines actually declined in chess development during his time.
It is true that Torre should help develop the young chess talents instead of competing against them and taking away their opportunity to play in the World Chess Olympic.
I don’t know…..I’m all for the Torre bandwagon and stuff….but this “I’ll do anything they ask me to..kissing but ” sounds a little contrived. Torre shouldn’t be begging for anything given his record. This article stinks of old style soviet propaganda. It simply can’t be true.