Can chess kill?

We are saddened by the news that a participant in the just concluded National Inter-cities in Tarlac died of a heart attack in his sleep.

The victim was identified as Nicasio Rizo, Board 3 of Calapan City, Mindoro.

Very tragic indeed. We offer our condolences.

As a rule, serious chess players must have regular physical exercises (this is not to say that the victim did not have regular physical exercise). Just imagine draining your mental power for several hours for a serious chess game.

GM Wesley So, very young at 15 years of age, jogs for at least an hour everyday when preparing for a major chess tournament.

Reigning women world champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk also jogs. In fact, she even participated in a 5-Km marathon competition.

So let's make it a rule: jog and play chess.