FOILED in their respective bids to gain GM norms in the last GMA Cup, International Masters Jayson Gonzales and Wesley So hope to resume their quests for the prestigious GM title in two chess tournaments next month.
Gonzales and So were among the best-placed Filipino performers in the recent international event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Gonzales was a half-point short of obtaining his third and last GM norm after scoring six out of a possible nine points, enroute to finishing among the top 10 in the FIDE-rated tournament.
So, who turned 13 last Oct. 9 and is bidding to become the youngest Filipino GM, also missed his bid at a second norm after winding up with five points. He placed in the top 20.
Both chess players said they were keen on gaining their norms in the Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. National Open championship Chess Challenge opening on Dec. 18 and in the Singapore International Open kicking off on Dec. 26.
Gonzales disclosed that the World Chess Federation has sanctioned the National Open, which will have a Swiss system format, as an event where the participants can gain norms, depending on their results and the strength of the field.
On the other hand, the Singapore Open traditionally lures a powerhouse cast of GMs and IMs, he said.
“Hopefully, by the end of the year we may not have not only one but two new GMs,” added Gonzales, who is eager to join the illustrious ranks of GMs Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano and Mark Paragua.
A high school freshman at the Saint Francis of Assisi College in Bacoor, Cavite, So, who looks up to former world champion Garry Kasparov as his model, said he also wants to be in the elite group of Torre and company.
“To become a grandmaster is always a chess player’s ambition,” said So, who has an Elo rating of 2411.
