Latest Saga of Super GM Wesley So

I'm glad that the 2015 US Chess Championship was finally over. The never ending controversies on Wesley So created worldwide attention and his stories have been the talk in the social networks lately. I have had numerous responses defending his actions at chess.com, facebook, and other internet sites.

Despite family's turmoil, Wesley So proved that he was a tough nut to crack. Needing 2 points in the remaining 2 games after an unexpected forfeiture in Round 9 he won them all by beating defending champion Gata Kamsky and chess whiz Kayden Troff in that order. He scored 6.5/11 and earned a decent 3rd place finish - a surprised achievement since most chess pundits have been expecting a better finish than that.

The chess world had been shocked in round 9 after IA Tony Rich decided to forfeit the game of Wesley So for taking down notes and awarded the point to his opponent GM Varuzhan Akobian due to what Rich say's a FIDE Laws violation. An infraction that created varied opinions amongst chess players worldwide due to severity of penalty given to So for a technical issue and not for the game of chess itself. The conflict started there and it created helluva of conflicting opinions among players, the most vocal was GM Jun Ludwig Hammer from Norway and other notable GMs from Europe.

Allow me to share my opinion and comments on the latest saga of GM Wesley So.

On GM Wesley So
I know you have family issues, but as a professional player you are bound to follow rules regardless of what is going on in the real world. You are still my idol.

On Tony Rich
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I know you have to make a decision but make it a reasonable one. Next time, please have members of the Appeals Committee be represented by international arbiters coming from various states in the US and not only those coming from St. Louis and or those with close ties with it.

On Varuzhan Akobian
To my disbelief you were distracted by the scribbling of Wesley So whom you claimed to be your friend. You are professional chess player who fought with the elite and the best in the world for many years yet you have been distracted by a simple thing is beyond comprehension. You have had a personal issue, in my opinion, and Wesley is right, you just wanted a free point. Now, every time I will see you in the tournament arena I will call you a free man. I think If indeed you were his friend you should have told Wesley, face to face, to stop whatever he is writing for you were not able to concentrate. Was that hard?

I wish that every challenges in the US chess team will be toppled and that your team will become as competitive as possible!

About the Chess Olympiad: Happy for RP Chess Team

I have been diligently following the games of RP Chess Team over the internet and I am so impressed by the showing of our chessers. SGM Wesley So tremendously showcased his vast improvements of the game. Having drawn a match against Armenia's best SGM Levon Aronian proved to be a huge achievement. As usual, GMs Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua chess moves were a beauty to behold. Having participated in various tournaments, both local and foreign, they were very much cognoscente of the game. Not to be outdone was the performance of IM Oliver Dimakiling who proved he was a tough nut to crack. He demolished every opponent assigned to him except Armenia's experienced board 4 player. First Asia's GM Eugene Torre's antics to provide astonishing positional game was again evident in one of his games in the recent Olympiad.

There has been a post at philboxing.com site questioning why IM Dimakiling was fielded instead of GM Torre during RPs game vs. Armenia that caused RPs downfall. I believe that the comment against IM Dimakiling was not only made to denigrate him but the RP chess team as a whole. That poster, I believed, has became a maudlin due to Dimaks loss to a stronger and better player.

Let me share to you may 1 cent response: Firstly, during that time RP has had winning streaks and they have never been beaten by anyone in the Olympiad. Right? "Why would we fix it when it ain't broke." There was no need to change the horses at the middle of the battle. What if he won? Lastly, Torre was still mourning that time and I think (though he is ready) he is not yet emotionally prepared.

I am praying that the Philippines will demolish their opponents on their next games. Good luck!

Amazing Wesley So!

Wesley So of the Philippines made his presence felt as he subdued equally talented Ding Liren of China during the first round (tie break)of the 2011 World Chess Cup held at Khanty Mansiysk, Russia. What impressed me most about this kid is his ability to stay focused even during time pressure. Like Manny Paqauiao, Wesley So, is carrying on his shoulder his country's pride after his compatriot Mark Paragua lost his match against Super Grand Master Michael Adams of England in a thrilling passion.

The match on the second round will be crucial for So as greater challenge awaits him. All eyes will be on him as he is paired against Sergey Karakjin of Russia the strong favourite and the top seed on this tournament.

I am wishing that he'll draw his two classical games and makes an impact during active and blitz games where he is known for.

Wesley, good luck and may you be greatly blessed on this tournament!

Chess Invitations

I got invitations to play in a chess team tournament from two teams. I'm having a hard time to choose. Hopefully it would be settled right away.

By the way I would like to congratulate Super GM Wesley So for beating the mighty Super GM Vassily Ivanchuk during their Round 2 chess encounter in the World Cup.

There are too many heroes in the Philippines today. Congrats.

To follow the World Cup games please click this link Chess in Khanty-Mansiysk