World No. 2 Nakamura hails Philippines' chess prowess

MANILA, Philippines — American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura flew to the Philippines with knowledge that the country has a proud chess tradition and players.

And three names come to his mind.

“Growing up, I had a chance to compete against quite a few Filipino players, Mark Paragua for example and later on Wesley So,” said the world’s second highest rated woodpusher during Monday’s media lunch of the WR Bughouse Championship at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Obviously you also have accomplished players like Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster,” he added.

Nakamura was in town to join this bughouse event, which is also known as transfer chess, organized by WR Chess founder Wadim Rosenstein.

Filipinos made sure Nakamura felt the love and the latter reciprocated by signing autographs and posing for pictures for hours.

“Sorry if I wasn’t able to sign all but there would be more opportunities,” said Nakamura.

For Rosenstein, he may have hinted at a bigger plan at FIDE, or the sport’s world governing body, where he might seek a position there.

“That’s for another time,” he said.