So mulls no-stint in SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster Wesley So yesterday denied the National Chess Federation of the Philippines’ claim that he had given his word to play in the 27th Southeast Asian Games set Dec. 12-22 in Myanmar.

“I was surprised to read that the NCFP was claiming I have agreed to play in the SEA Games,” said the 19-year-old So, currently ranked 34th in the FIDE world rankings with a rating of 2710, on his Twitter account @wesleySo93.

“I haven’t confirmed or even talked to them, they should talk to me directly,” added So, an athletic scholar at US NCAA Division I chess champion Webster U.

So has rued the failure of the NCFP as well as the Phl Olympic Committee and the Phl Sports Commission to support or even recognize his feat of copping an unprecedented gold medal in the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia last July.

“Somehow I feel that my federation does not care about me or my goals,” said So, who will turn 20 on Oct. 9.

He, however, said he might still consider playing for the SEAG.

“I’m not closing the door on playing in the SEA Games, but they should t21k to me. So far they haven’t contacted me yet,” he said.

So’s Webster U coach, five-time world women’s champion Susan Polgar, defended his student.

“He represented the Phl in World Cup, Olympiad, World University...Never represented other countries. I don’t understand,” said Polgar on his Twitter handle, @SusanPolgar.

NCFP executive director Jayson Gonzales said a few days ago that So is “under contract” to play in the SEA Games and all other tournaments approved by the POC.