Filipino chess player Rogelio Barcenilla said he will never give up his pursuit for a third and final grandmaster (GM) norm that will put him alongside RP’s “elite” chess players such as Eugene Torre and Wesley So.

The Arizona-based chess player told BilliardPhilippines.com writer Marlon Bernardino that he plans to join round-robin tournaments to boost his chances for a third GM norm.

“Hindi naman tayo sumusuko na makukuha na natin ang third at final GM norm. Pero gusto kong sumali sa round robin (close tournament) tournament kasi mas malaki chance na makuha natin doon ang aking third at final GM norm,” said Barcenilla.

Barcenilla became the fourth Filipino GM after Eugene Torre, the late Rosendo Balinas and Rogelio Antonio, Jr. when he obtained the third and final GM result in the Marshall Chess Club GM Invitational in New York in June 2000.

However, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) did not confirm Barcenilla’s GM status since his third norm was a result of a tournament which used the Marshall system. The tournament format was not included among that those cited in FIDE’s guidelines that could bestow GM norms.

Meanwhile, GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. is optimistic that the fellow Filipino will eventually earn his final GM norm.

”Wala naman tayong duda na makukuha ni Banjo (Barcenilla’s nickname) ang kanyang GM title. Iyon talaga ang strength na niya,” said Antonio who is set to compete at the 18th Annual North American Open Chess Championship starting December 27.