Interview with Wesley So
Provided by the official website: http://ugra-chess.ru/eng/interv_12.htm
• Honestly I was lucky when playing against Ivanchuk, – starts So. – I admire this chess player and I know that he plays much far better than me. In first game he was in time trouble and maybe that is why I was lucky. The second game was a draw, but Vassily had a real chance to win at some point during the game.
• He mentioned in his interview that you were also playing not that well…
• I agree. But today I played very well against Gata Kamsky. I was preparing to the game. I caught him at the opening and he spent a lot of time. I just hope that tomorrow I will be also lucky.
• How can you cope with the magic of the big chess names?
• I realize that you should do your best in the classical games of each round. If you win one game, you are almost there. Besides, I spend a lot of time for preparations to every single opponent. I train chess for 5-6 hours per day watching the previous games of my opponents. I understand that they are people who can also make mistakes.
• Do you have a special strategy to play in the Cup?
• Generally speaking, I am ok if the classical games were drawn. Here the tie break goes. To my mind I play tie breaks better than classical games. But my opponents did not give me any chance to come to the tie breaks.
• Tell us about yourself? Your achievement in chess?
• I am 16 and the greatest achievement for me so far is the second place in one tournament with average rating about 2700. At the moment my rating is 2640. I dream that sooner or later I will come to the magical point 2700. I don’t know how much time I will need for that.
• Are you planning to participate in the World Junior Chess Championship? Or you are not interested to play against the opponents of your age?
• It could be stupid of me to think that due to my performance here I became a big shot. In fact to win the World Junior U-20 Championship is my nearest aim in chess. It will be a tough competition. Some of the potential participants of the Championship are here: Negi Parimarjan, Hou Yifan, Sanan Syugirov. I am trying to follow their games here, their openings most of all.
• Ho w can you define your chess style?
• So far I play aggressively. I would like to play a solid game with a solid opening. This is what I want. I think my style is close to Vishy Anand. Of course we have different level.
• Do you have a personal coach?
• Unfortunately I don’t. But I think that the moment is coming: I will need it soon. I would train chess with Sanan Syugirov with pleasure for instance. He is my age. The only problem he does not speak English. Anyway I feel like having an assistant now. Another problem is that chess in not that famous in the Philippines . We don’t get any financial support from the Government. They don’t give money for tournaments, coaches, nothing. Our National Federation pays our tickets. That’s it. You realize at one moment that to reach some professional level you need private sponsors. I would be happy with some 20-30 thousand US dollars a year.
• This is your first visit to Russia . Aren’t you afraid of cold weather?
I opened Siberia for myself. It is very beautiful place with good people! Yes, it is cold here. But we come from the Philippines ; we like to visit countries where it is colder than in our country. Of course truly speaking minus 30 is too much. I like Siberia , but I prefer to stay in my room when it is so cold.
Admirable, objective, modest even.
He’s a good kid. Hope he keeps it going.
Mike Magnan
Wooyoo! Susan So won! what was his trick? Did anyone see Armageddon staring Bruce Willis ? its like a giant rock came from outter space and hit the top guys in da head!!! hahaha. congrats to the young man.
this is the first interview i’ve seen of his and he comes off as a real class act. i wish the best of luck to him in the future
Wesley has as much class equal to his talent, in graciously acknowledging the greatness of Vassily Ivanchuk.
But deep inside Wesley is the heart of a fearless Lion.
It is a sad truth that the Philippine government never supported Wesley’s predecessors either, the whole slew of past world class Filipino chess stars, Medardo Tan Cardoso, Ruben Rodriguez, Renato Naranja, Rosendo Balinas, Eugene Torre, and Rogelio Antonio.
Sadly too because for the past 50 years, the Philippine and world FIDE leadership was under the helm of a Filipino, Campomanes.
Perhaps Wesley will have to leave the Philippines and play in the U.S. or Europe to further realize his dreams.
But hopefully too, Wesley’s success, even at this point, will spur the Philippine government and corporate sponsors to come up with much needed support.
Good luck Wesley, we are all with you in spirit.
We not only wish you good luck, we will walk our talk, if you or your Dad or Mom will give us your non-profit fund raising address to send our contribution to.
Wesley..I always folow you where play….I hope someday you will be able to play in Canadian Chess Tournament….I do hope that you will keep winning and finally be the World Cup Champion.
I admire you playing the French Defense….
Fil-Canadian (Mitoj/ARNULFOR)
“Sadly too because for the past 50 years, the Philippine and world FIDE leadership was under the helm of a Filipino, Campomanes.”
I ran chess for 50 years. Can you do better?
The USCF would destroy Wesley So because he is of foreign descent. It is best if I continue to help him climb to greater heights.
Campo fleeced the Filipino chess players, and set back Philippine chess for all the years of his leadership.
Of course, no one can do better than the 12 million pesos con man Campo who capped his legacy as a convicted felon.
What is your take Campo? Like 75% agent’s fee? That is why Wesley’s Mom and Dad won’t let you near him?
All or most of the top players in the U.S. and Europe are foreigners. Nice try Campo.
Now go back to the mountains Campo, get some of the people’s monies you got stashed, and give some to Wesley.
Gracious and modest.
Campo,
Maybe it is best that you seek the nearest exit. You are most likely to take talented players to the greatest depths than the loftiest heights. Check your clock. Your time has run out.