(231) FIJI CHESS FEDERATION PRESIDENT IS A DOCTOR

FIJI CHESS FEDERATION PRESIDENT
IS A DOCTOR

FIJI WILL host the 2007 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in May 5-12 at Nadi. The event is the first step for World Chess Championship cycle.

This is the second time that Fiji will host this prestigious event and its federation's president is a doctor, Virgilio de Asa.

The doctor wrote an email letter to Roberto Hernandez, Chairman of Knights and Rooks Chess Club and Secretary/Treasurer of Palau Chess Federation that read as follows:
Hi, Roberto, Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for having Palau Chess Federation affiliated as one of the newest member of FIDE and as such member of Oceania Chess Federation.
I was attending the General Assembly in Turin, Italy when there was a big scramble for your proxy, which you had initially given to Australia via Gary Bekker (the Right Move camp), until Campo confided to me that he eventually got your proxy (that's chess politics).
On a personal note, I have always supported Campo and his ticket because of FIDE's assistance to Fiji chess through CACDEC.
On another note, I heard that you successfully organized the 2006 Palau Invitational Chess Championship and I would like to extend an invitation to Palau Chess Federation to send your best-placed local player to compete in the 2007 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship which will be held in Nadi, Fiji from May 5 to 12.
As member of Oceania, your official rep will be entitled to hotel accomodation in a 5-star hotel resort during the duration of the event plus full breakfast and free entry fee.
Airline travel will not be covered.
Regards, Dr. Virgilio de Asa, President, Fiji Chess Federation and Chairman, Organizing Committee.

All the top 10 Palau chess players can't afford the $2,750.00 round trip airfare from Palau to Fiji.

Number 8 Morton Sawaichi can only afford $800.00 to $1,000.00 while number 4 Roberto Hernandez can only raise $800.00.

Palau Chess Federation Chairman Francis 'Sno' Temaungil was offered to represent Palau in Fiji if he can raise the amount needed.

In good response, he said he can raise that amount but he don't like to play because he is not yet good enough to be competitive and endorse his friend, Palau's first National Master Manny Nedic.

If things materialize, Palau will be able to send for the first time a player a player to represent Palau in international tournament.

Palau is now rated 148th out of 150 member countries of World Chess Federation (FIDE) with 6 players now getting international rankings because of their strong performance in the 2006 Palau Invitational Chess Championship held at Palau Royal Resort and Palasia Hotel from August 31 to September 04, 2006.

Their names and ratings can be seen on the internet www.fide.com Click in Country top and stats.


WESLEY SO, 13, PHILIPPINES CHESS CHAMPION!
WE HAVE seldom seen a more collected and more mature 13-year-old than Wesley So. Two years ago, nothing from his attitude over the board announced the momentum still to come: tranquil, relaxed and almost sleeping at the chessboard.

Yet most of his opponents were fated to find out the lethality injected in the moves of this young man who just accomplished some major achievements: International Master (IM) Norms, first Grandmaster (GM) Norm and winning Philippines National Champion title.

He was asked, "From your perspective, how was it for you during the Philippine National Chess Championship?" He replied, "At first, I was not sure if things were going well for me, since I have encountered a lot of formidable opponents, that is why a happy surprise for me and I thank God for it".

He said his father William is very helpful. He introduced the game to him and always inquiring for tournaments.

His mother is very caring too. Michael Carino was one of his earliest trainers. However, lately, he had no serious sparring partner. There was no chess in his school.

However, it (St. Francis de Assisi College System Bacoor, Cavite) is supportive, considering his schedule and sports activities.

How did he achieve the IM Title? He joined several international tournaments beginning last May 2006 and got his IM norms from 8th Dubai Chess Open, San Marino Open and Malaysian Open respectively.

He prepares for tournaments by practicing 4 hours a day.He studies and analyzes the games in the updated software/materials provided by Mr. Regie Tee.

Of the past and present players that he likes the most, Gary Kasparov is his favorite. His goal in thel near future is to achieve his GM title as soon as possible.

His won game that brough him the biggest joy was his last round in the National Open Championship against IM Richard Bitoon because he qualified for the Zonal.

Many youngster of his age are now looking up for a player like him and his advise for such aspiring players is to work hard and enjoy what you are doing.

He plans to continue schooling and finish his studies -- Business Management.

His favorite food is Chinese food and his other hobbies are reading books, watching TV, listening to music and playing counterstrike.

His current FIDE rating is 2451 and his achievements in 2006 were: 4th place in Singapore Masters; Philippines Champion; 6th place at GMA President Cup; Champion of Calvia, Spain Bltiz Under 16; Malaysian Open Under 16 Champion; San Marino Open Under 16 Champion; played in Calvia Chess Olympiad and the youngest Philippine Olympiad member ever.


Source: Fiji Chess Federation President is a doctor
By Roberto Hernandez
Island Times Newspaper
Friday the 13th
April 13, 2007