NCFP exec laments So’s departure

MANILA, Philippines – "A loss of (a) National Treasure."

In a nutshell, this was one statement made by a National Chess Federation of the Philippines official to sum up chess grandmaster Wesley So's decision to give up his Filipino citizenship to chase a dream of becoming world champion.

"We can't do anything about it, it's a family decision and, of course, we cannot give what the United States is offering," NCFP secretary-general and Tagaytay City Representative Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino told The STAR on Monday.

"It's really beyond our control," he added.

Eugene Torre, another national chess gem after becoming Asia's first chess GM in 1974 and making the quarterfinals of the World Championship Candidates Matches in 1983, for his part, said there's nothing to be sad since the 20-year-old So will be recognized as someone who came from the Phl anyway regardless of his newfound country.

"We can't judge him (So) if his ambition is to become a world champion. It's his personal decision, anyway," said Torre.

In a letter to NCFP president Butch Pichay Sunday, So bared his plans of changing allegiance after admitting he already applied for US citizenship last year.

“I have filed the paperwork to switch federation to the US last year. I respectfully ask that you grant me this opportunity and consent my transfer," said So, who is now ranked 15th in the world after topping the Capablanca Memorial in Cuba last month, in his letter to the NCFP posted on the blog site of his coach, Susan Polgar, Monday.

“This is not an easy decision. But it is the best decision for me to have a chance to be a top 10 player in the world, and perhaps one day fight for the World Championship crown.

“I hope you will support my decision and allow me to make this change immediately so I can have a chance to chase my dream without losing more valuable time at this very important age,” said So.

As of posting time, the NCFP has continued to resist So's transfer request since last year, which will mean the Webster U standout will have to shell out 50,000 euros or Php3 million to the NCFP or under the two-year waiting period imposed by the international chess federation (FIDE) on chessers opting to change federations.

The bottom line is if So can't get NCFP clearance, he will practically be shoved in the chess freezer as he will be barred from participating in all FIDE-sanctioned events like the Olympiad and World Championship.

Torre, however, said it's time to give in to So's request.

"The best thing to do right now is to agree to his (So) offer to play for the country one last time in the World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway this August and set him free," Torre said.

"In the end, it will be up to the NCFP leadership to make a final decision on that matter," he added.

For Phl Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, it will take perhaps another lifetime to find So.

"He's a big loss. He is a very talented chess player. It will be long before we find another like him," said Garcia, who has yet to pull the plug on So's monthly allowance of P40,000 a month but will do so until the issue has become official.