Can a Cebuano become World Chess Champion?

Recently concluded world chess championship between defending champion Viswanathan Anand and the ex-champion (now challenger) Vladimir Kramnik has been a colorful display of preparation and dedication to chess. Anand has retained his title with two won games ahead from the challenger. For details of the games, refer to the official website.

This keeps this blogger wondering if there would be any chance a Cebuano could become World Chess Champion.

So far, to date, there are still not much of candidate that we can think of. We still need to see Grandmaster calibre for Cebuanos. Cebuanos have International Masters Joseph Sanchez and Richard Bitoon as possible next Grandmasters for Philippines. But this is really far from becoming World Chess Championship cycle.

Cebu chess institutions need to develop the youth as our hope for future world champions. Unlike in other countries (Singapore to mention one) where there are really chess schools where those young enthusiasts can enrol and be taught by world class masters. Cebu chess institution must also offer these world class chess schools.

Aside from that, chess players must be exposed to world class chess tournaments, not only one or two in a year, but as much as possible, one or two every month. Being exposed to world class calibre tournaments, chess players will be comfortable to be playing in tournaments held outside of the country, and thus also be exposed to the new ideas on chess strategies.

With these suggestions, so we go back to the question: Can a Cebuano become World Chess Champion?


bloggerjakes