GM Torre to RP Team?

Right after the 3rd PGMA Cup, I read somewhere about a proposition that GM Eugene Torre be included in the Philippine Team for the Dresden.

Not only that he be included as a ‘reserve.’ If I recall it right, Torre should be inserted in the line-up at the expense of somebody who had already qualified for the event. The idea is that somebody in the line-up should be pulled out just to accommodate Torre.

Reasons for Torre’s insertion to the Olympiad-bound RP Team:
- Torre can still make it (since he topped the recently concluded 3rd PGMA Cup)
- Torre can make a world record by playing his 20th consecutive participation in the event
- Torre can lead the RP team due to his leadership as a player and as a team captain

OK, let’s say the reasons being given are valid. Of course, they are valid!

In fact, we really salute Torre for all the services, hardships, and honor he has given to our country for long, long years.

We truly congratulate him, and take pride, for winning the 3rd PGMA Cup.

We also itch for him to play his 20th consecutive participation in the event. How we love that to happen!

BUT THERE ARE RULES. And nobody – I repeat, NOBODY – should be exempted.

The five Filipino chess warriors chosen to battle it out against the whole world in Dresden passed through difficult stages to win their tickets to the event. They labored for it, fought for it. And above all, they followed the rules.

Worries abound that the present Dresden-bound RP Team (GM So, GM Buenaventura, GM Laylo, GM Gonzales, IM Gomez) is doomed to meet a disastrous end. It’s because, as they put it, Torre is out, Antonio is out, Paragua is out.

Who wouldn’t want Torre, Antonio, and Paragua in the Team? Of course we want them in the Team! But they must pass the tests! They must follow the rules! And only those who passed the test should be in the Team.

I’m seeing light, really, in the leadership that the NCFP is showing right now. We can see the concrete chess developments happening around us, thanks to NCFP’s active role.

May the reinvigorated direction the NCFP is presently taking lead to even more light. One test to this is its take on the call for Torre’s late inclusion in the Olympiad-bound RP Team.

Only by strict discipline can we really improve Philippine chess.