FIDE CHESS WORLD CUP: Khanty Mansiysk, Russia- Former Philippine top Grandmaster Wesley So in his quest for one of two slots in the Candidates Tournament in 2020.

Despite losing to Russian Nikita Vitiugov in the fourth round of the ongoing $1.6-million FIDE World Cup on Saturday in Khanty Mansiysk in Russia, all is not lost for former Philippine top Grandmaster Wesley So in his quest for one of two slots in the Candidates Tournament in 2020.

It was the same stage when the Philippines and Asia’s first GM, Eugene Torre, got eliminated in 1983, defeated by Zoltan Ribli of Hungary.

But So, former world No. 2, can still qualify for the Candidates Tournament by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss next month in the Isle of Man.

 

Obviously, that’s a tall order for the Cavite-born Filipino woodpusher, 26, who now represents the US Chess Federation, technically making him an American.

If he made it in the Isle of Man as the second of two players who will contest the slot to challenge the world title holder at present — Magnus Carlsen of Norway — So would have sealed his place in the pantheon of the greatest Filipino sportsmen — Felicisimo Ampon, Gabriel”Flash” Elorde, Lydia de Vega, Manny Pacquiao and a few others.

He had a falling out with Philippine chess officials after he won the country’s first-ever Universiade gold medal, prompting him to move to the United States.

Also obviously, the Americans are better protectors and nurturers of prodigious talent because So has thrived under their tender loving care.

Which is too much to ask of Filipino chess authorities who, in the more recent past, were not shy in mixing sports and politics.

Hopefully, the current crop of authorities would be able to pull out from under their hats another Torre or So (and no offense meant to GM Julio Sadorra and company).

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Meanwhile, perish the thought that So would pack his bags and leave the United States for the journey back to the Philippines.

But whether he waves the Philippine flag or the Star-Spangled Banner, we believe that he exemplifies the true athlete regardless of where he was born or where he now lives.

This corner wishes So the best of luck in the FIDE Grand Swiss.

Mabuhay!

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