Torre lauds Pangasinan chess program

LINGAYEN – Pangasinan’s chess development program should be emulated by other provinces in the country, according to GM Eugene Torre after gracing the fourth Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. Chess Clinic at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) here recently.

Torre lauded the provincial government for its full support on the sport as seen in the implementation of a continuous program to train the youth and hone them to become masters of the game which requires mental agility, focus and determination.

“We have so many potential Filipino chess champions but we have limited resources,” said Torre. He noted that in other countries like India, China and Vietnam, chess is well funded by their respective governments.

In this regard, Torre said Pangasinan is commendable for coming up with a continuous program on chess, which includes clinics where theory can be learned and chess tournaments where these players can apply what they have learned.

“Theory and practice must go together,” said Torre, adding that with the kind of training that the provincial government and the Pangasinan Chess League offer to the young players, national tournaments are now basically dominated by Pangasinenses.

Despite the adverse weather condition due to tropical storm Mario, the chess clinic drew 145 players, including a four-year-old aspirant.

Torres said the concerted effort of the provincial government, the PCL and the family of the players will eventually lead to an opportunity in training future international masters and grandmasters in the class of IM Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem.

Pascua, a product of the province’s chess clinic, is presently showcasing his skills and talent in Malaysia, where he is now one of the top four players. “Let us pray that Haridas can make it to the top,” Torre said.

Chess, according to Torre, is one of the best sports for the youth where they can apply the principles of the game in real life such as sportsmanship, focus, calculation and harmony, among others.