We didn’t lose Wesley So

 “All I want to do, ever, is play chess.”

—Bobby Fischer

 

By Alex P. Vidal 

 

ANY Filipino who changes his citizenship doesn’t stop being a Filipino by heart.

What has changed is his permanent residence and oath of allegiance, which is technically a piece of paper.

When he goes back to his native land in the Philippines, he is still treated as a “true blue” Pinoy. He speaks and understands the Filipino language and his memories will remain Filipino.

His identity and heritage will always be Filipino.

Contrary to the fears and lamentation of chess aficionados and scribes in the Philippines, we didn’t “lose” Super Grandmaster Wesley So simply because he officially became an American citizen effective February 26, 2021 as confirmed by the US Chess Federation (USCF).

He can no longer represent the Philippines in international tournaments like the SEA Games and World Chess Olympiad, but every time the 27-year-old Cavite-born chess genius plays in major tournaments and conquers his fellow world-rated rivals, Filipinos all over the world are still proud to claim that So is their compatriot.

 

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 When he wins, the ones who rejoice first and foremost are the Filipinos. 

When he suffers heartbreaking setbacks in important tournaments, the first people who are quick to mourn are the Filipinos.

So is still very much with us; he is part of us, and will always remain as a Filipino in the heart and mind of every chess fan in the Philippines.

The world’s most exciting chess player, who stirred the international chess community when he toppled Norwegian world chess champion Magnus Carlsen in two major random tournaments in 2019 and 2021, will never turn his back permanently from the Philippines.

Let’s listen to him in an interview with the USCF: “l love that anyone can strive to succeed. You are not held back by your color, lack of connections, or the amount of money you have. If you work hard, you have a better chance of making it here than anywhere else in the world. I came here ready to work hard, and it turned out just as I dreamed.”

He added: “That does not mean I don’t love the Philippines. I have good memories from there. But I did not have the connections needed to succeed in that culture. I was from the province, not a city boy. Had no money etc. I wanted to go further, and there was only one country a nobody can make it. The USA!”

So used to play for the Philippines in the past before moving to the United States in 2014, or two years after his first visit to the country when So was Webstar University’s freshman recruit.

He stressed: “I want to give back to a country that has been so good to me. From the moment I landed here, I was encouraged and enabled to become better than I was. I like this attitude and the tremendous generosity of American culture.”

 

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This is the full interview on So by the USCF:

USCF: Why did you come to the U.S.?  

So: For a better future, because this is the land of opportunity. 

USCF: What do you like about the U.S.?  

So: I love that anyone can strive to succeed. You are not held back by your color, lack of connections or the amount of money you have. If you work hard, you have a better chance of making it here than anywhere else in the world. I came here ready to work hard, and it turned out just as I dreamed. That does not mean I don't love the Philippines. I have good memories from there. But I did not have the connections needed to succeed in that culture. I was from the province, not a city boy. Had no money etc. I wanted to go further, and there was only one country a nobody can make it. The USA! 

USCF: Why are you becoming a U.S. citizen?  

So: I want to give back to a country that has been so good to me. From the moment I landed here I was encouraged and enabled to become better than I was. I like this attitude and the tremendous generosity of American culture. Most people here have no idea what it is like anywhere else in the world, and they don't appreciate the amazing spirit of this country. I have competed in most countries of the world and I can say ... I love it here!  

USCF: How did you feel when you became a U.S. citizen?  

So: I got so hyper and excited I was talking kind of loud all day. It was literally a dream come true. I am now a part of the American Dream. I am part of the most successful country on earth, ready to make my own contribution and have my own legacy here.  

USCF: What will this mean for your future in the field of chess?  

So: Well, that I cannot say. Chess is a sport and like other elite sports your efforts can go up and down for all sorts of reasons. I know I will try my best to pay back what has been done for me. I plan to be a good citizen and help others the way I was helped. God Bless America!  

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)