Chess icon Wesley So: I still have a long way to go
abs-cbnnews.com | 05/16/2008 1:22 AM
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By DENNIS GASGONIA
abs-cbnNEWS.com
SUBIC - When one achieves superstar status, oftentimes it's common for success to get into the head.
But for someone like Wesley So, success is no excuse to go strutting his way around like a gifted brat spoiled by fame.
"Kasi pangit naman po 'yung mayabang," he said in Filipino.
At 14 years old, Wesley is the youngest grandmaster in the world today. This has made him an icon in the Philippine chess scene.
But at the Philippine International Open held in Subic, the "icon" doesn't seem to like enjoying his superstar status. He prefers standing inside the shuttle service while other competitors occupy the seats on their way to the contest venue.
His achievements include top placings in this year's "Battle of the GMs" and the Dubai International Open. However, he believes he still has a long way to go.
He goes around like a regular kid. He likes to read and loves playing computer games. "I liked reading Harry Potter [books]," he said.
No easy training
Beneath the harmless demeanor, Wesley is a tiger at training. He wants to hone his skills for the game he loves the most to the utmost ability.
His training regimen includes an hour of jogging everyday, apart from the long hours he spends in front the computer to beat program that simulates opponents.
"[Jogging is needed for] stamina. Kasi matagal ang game eh, mga four hours usually," he said.
Wesley also believes that one need not have a superior intelligence quotient to be a very good chess player.
"Kailangan sa chess para gumaling, hard work and discipline," he said.
During school vacations, he trains as long as eight hours a day. When school year comes, his training time is cut into half.
Father’s influence
His father William is a big influence in fostering discipline into the 14-year-old chess prodigy.
William said he was the one who basically mothered Wesley, ever since his wife took over the task of being the family’s breadwinner.
"Noong natapos ‘yung work ko abroad, ako na bale ang tumao sa bahay at nagbantay ng aralin ng mga anak ko," said William.
He remembered teaching his kids, including Wesley, things that were quite advanced for their age.
"Imbes na one to ten ang inii-spell nila. They were doing one to one hundred," he said.
Introduction to chess
Wesley was taught the basics of wood-pushing at the age six.
William said he brought out a chess set that he bought in Manila when his son was still four years old.
"Hindi naman ako magaling sa chess, tinatalo nga ako ng mga kapatid ko. Tinuro ko lang sa kanya kung paano ang galaw ng pawn, kabayo, etc," he said.
Wesley took it into liking and started competing at seven years old.
It wasn’t until he turned nine years old when he got his big break.
"Noong 2003, naging representative siya sa World Youth Championship, sa lahat ng pinadala noong Under-12, siya ang may pinakamagandang performance," said William, who was beaming with pride.
Wesley even became more focused on chess when he started his international stints.
"Hindi kami mayaman, kaya noong nakaranas siya ng nakakapag-abroad siya, nakakapunta ng ibang lugar ng libre, parang natuwa siya. kaya nagpursige siyang mag-aral ng ma-ige," said his father.
William said that what further developed his son’s skills was his willingness to take his game to the next level.
He said when they saw that Wesley can play well at his own age bracket, he decided to field the kid to an open tournament. There, he faced chess masters older than him.
"Sinasabi kong kelangang pumasok siya sa upper tournament, ‘yung pangmatanda. Hindi ko hinahangad na pambata. ‘Sigurado tayong mananalo,’ hindi ganon. Noong kaya noong bata itinaas ko ang level niya," said William.
For Wesley, chess is about having fun.
"Enjoy playing chess. [There should be] no pressure," he said.
