Torre: Campo welcome to help rebuild RP chess

MANILA–Grandmaster Eugene Torre yesterday said former FIDE president Florencio Campomanes, who had said the sport had deteriorated under the GM’s watch in the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is welcome to help rebuild Philippine chess.

"I have always believed that war, whatever its form, has no place in chess which is a game of gentlemen. I hope that Mr.Campomanes can start the healing process so we can work together for a common goal," said Torre, who was the first president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Torre said contrary to Campomanes’ claim, there is a chess program in place, "but I would be the first to admit that it is far from perfect."

Despite scarce resources, Torre said the NCFP has been working hard to push through with its program geared toward the promotion and development of the sport.

"But all these controversies have turned off many potential sponsors and set back the gains and progress we have achieved," said Torre, who together with NCFP secretary-general Sammy Estimo bore the brunt of the tirades in media.

Torre said Campomanes and other well-meaning individuals are welcome to help the NCFP.

"Nobody has a monopoly of ideas. Let’s help each other instead of destroying one another," Torre said.