Chess World Cup 2009

While I surf the net for scholastic chess resources for my second term chess class, I make sure I have windows opened for chess news all over the world. One major event this year is happening this month and it is the Chess World Cup 2009.

Three of our grandmasters have qualified (old news!) and for sure they are in the thick of their preparation  for November  20, the day the battles begin. Khanty-Mansysk, Russia is the place to be for the best of the best. 

First round pairing: GM Wesley So with white pieces vs GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan while GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio with black pieces vs GM Gata Kamsky of USA, both Pinoys are playing in section 8. GM Darwin Laylo with black pieces will play against David Navarra of Czech Republic on section 3.

GM So is seeded on 59th, GM Antonio on 102nd and GM Laylo on 108th. It would be a miracle if one of our fellow Filipinos reach the final round but with every push and capture, we can never really tell.

Miracles do happen and fortune favors the well-prepared army.

I say:

Go! go! go!
Wesley So, Antonio and Laylo
Here we go!
Philppine Chess, Go! go! go!