Sanchez, first Cebuano chess GM, reveals formula to success

CEBU, Philippines - Strong determination and dedication to the sport served as guiding virtues of Joseph Sanchez to be the first ever Cebuano chess grandmaster.

The 40-year-old Sanchez, whose mother is from Samboan, started his interest of playing chess at the age of 13. He got his first championship title in 1988 when he was still a junior BS-Marine Technology student at the University of Cebu (UC).

Instead of proceeding to his internship as a seaman, Sanchez chose to pursue his dream of becoming a grandmaster.        

He was able to go to Europe when he coached former PHL number one player Mark Paragua during the World Youth Under-18 Championships in Greece last 2003. He stayed in France to work out his International Master norm, which he got in 2005. He eventually obtained his GM norm in 2009.

Before one will be named as a grandmaster, a candidate has to pass through three grandmaster norms. He got his first GM norm in February 2008, the second in July of the same year and the third in February 2009.

“I stayed in France to fulfill my IM and GM status because it was so hard to find sponsors during my time. Luckily, I was in the right place because in Europe, there are lots of tournaments and it is easier for you to upgrade your status,” he said.

Sanchez was a professional chess tutor in France. He had this as his way of living - teaching the kids and adults on the techniques in playing chess since it is also one of the most embraced sports in Europe.

In his first few years in France, Sanchez went through obstacles especially when it comes to finances but now that he got his GM norm, it saved him since there are lots of incentives given to the GMs especially when he will be invited to certain tournaments.

Sanchez is a living proof that chess is not only a sport, but also be a profession in the future. However, he is not encouraging the youth today to make chess as a profession.

“I would like them to set their priorities on their studies first. I discouraged them to make chess as their profession, because education still matters,” he said.

He considered winning the Cannes Chess Festival in France last February as his greatest achievement to date.

Sanchez outsmarted other super grandmasters in the world including super GM Alexander Motylev of Russia.

Now that he has reached the GM status, Sanchez’ goal now is to be included or even just qualify in the World Championship circle.

“Achieving this dream is an uphill climb,but with strong will and determination, I will strive hard and do my best to excel,” Sanchez said.

The Europe-based grandmaster is ranked fourth in the country. He paid a visit to his alma mater and personally met UC president Augusto Go in his office the other day.

Go felt very proud that the school's athletic department was doing well by producing a grandmaster in Sanchez and an IM in Kim Steven Yap.

“I feel very proud that they were able to produce one grandmaster and an international master in chess. It is a very challenging sport, which needs a lot of brain power. I hope to produce more like them. Supporting the group is a very fantastic feat,” said Go. – THE FREEMAN