Why Chess? That was my very first question that came out of my head when I interviewed Wesley So.  A typical teenager, who are into computers and loves to hang out with friends is indeed one gifted individual. At his young age, he has achieved so much in a sport where most of us even failed to give our opponent a decent “check mate” bluff.

Why chess? Eagerly, Wesley replied with a grin on his face and a straight forward answer.

“Chess is a very good game for me. Not only because it is a mental game, but it also taught me to work harder, be patient and persevere in life.” Cited Wesley. With this answer, I can see that chess not only developed his mental abilities, but it also had a great impact on his perception and how he deals with trials and difficulties in life.

Aside from the fact that Chess is a very popular sport in Europe and Russia, it has also gained popularity among Filipinos. I even remember growing up and walking the streets of Avenida-Recto where old folks in street corners stood still as they play the sport with a number of eager onlookers trying to make a move on the board as well. I can also remember Chess being played in certain areas in Luneta Park during my college years. Yes, Chess has been a part of our lives... but for Wesley, it became his life.

It all started as a  simple game with his dad at age seven, joined an international tournament at age ten, and earned his International Master Title at age twelve and 10 months making him the youngest Filipino to achieve such a title, and life has never been the same. He then received his Grandmaster title at the age of 14 years, 1 month and 28 days, making him the 7th youngest person to achieve the grandmaster title in the history of chess.

Wesley So's world ranking is 64th. He previously was the strongest Under-16 player in the world. He is currently ranked 6th highest junior (Under-20) in the world. (as of March 2010 ratings).

So is chess for everyone, including me? Wesley then politely answered, “Chess is a game for everyone, but in these days, I think chess is for the younger generation. It is better if you start younger.  Ukraine’s youngest first world title was taken by an individual that just 12 years and 7 months old. I got mine when I was 14. The computer is a great tool to learn the sport, and I think the younger generation are better at computers.  During the competitions, I see more younger people joining than the old ones.”

“Actually during my recent competition in Netherlands” Wesley continued, “I was the 2nd youngest among the players. The youngest was 15 and 11 months, and I was 16. I think the older generation can still play but the younger generations are more favoured. Though the older generation has more experience, they play more carefully. But because the computers are very useful at this time, and there are sophisticated softwares available online for practices, I think that is  where the young benefits the most.”

Now that he is in his fourth year in high school, he sees himself concentrating full time in Chess after he graduates. “By next year I will concentrate in chess, and will see how things will go from there. But I still see myself going to  the university within the next five years or so.” Cited Wesley.

And for those who are thinking of going pro in Chess, this is his simple advice, “You only need to work harder, train harder.  That’s it. Six (6) months ago, my rating was not improving at all, then I decided to work hard and train carefully and disciplined myself; the result, my rating increased by 25-35 points.”