Young chessers banner RP bid in World meet

From among their ranks may rise the country’s next Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio or Bong Villamayor.

Members of the RP team to the World Youth Chess Championships in Haldiki, Greece were formally presented in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Manila Pavilion, all of whom Torre — the country and Asia’s first ever Grandmaster — himself referred to as the future of Philippine chess.

Eight of the 10-man team led by Oliver Barbosa showed up at the public sports program sponsored by Red Bull, Agfa Colors and PAGCOR accompanied by Torre, RP team coach International Master (IM) Ronald Bancod, First Gentleman Foundation project director Rod Nepomuceno and FIDE honorary chairman Florencio Campomanes.

"They are the future. We want them to be inspired and motivated since this is their chance to represent the country and at the same time, hone their skills," said Torre.

Other than Barbosa (under-18), also in the RP roster are Cheyser Mendoza (under-12), Cindy Atayde (under-14), Jan Jodilyn Fronda (under-10), Sherily Cua (under-16) and Ezra Alvarez (under-18) in the girls division while the boys‚ category include Joseph de Ramos (under-16), Elo Mariano III (under-14), Karl Victor Ochoa (under-12) and Wesley So (under-10).

Although Barbosa‚s name rings a bell, Torre believes the Filipino chessers have a fairly good chance of competing in the under-12 bracket of the Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 meet.

"I think the best bets are the younger ones kasi lahat yan pare-pareho pa lang na umuusbong ang knowledge sa chess," added Torre.

"But sa older groups, dark horse naman tayo."

With support coming from the FGF Foundation, Torre also said the country‚s preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam is now in full swing, with him and fellow GMs Antonio and Villamayor taking part in two international meets prior to the Dec. 5-13 biennial meet.

The Filipinos, along with the Indonesians and host country, are expected to battle it out for the most number of golds at stake in a sport making its SEA Games debut.

Being among the favorites, Torre admitted the pressure facing the team, but added, "pressure is part of the competition. So you just have to live with it."