Believe

I still remember a TV interview with then world-unknown Manny Pacquaio who was preparing for a dream match against then world-famous Marco Antonio Barrera.

That time, nobody believed that Pacquiao could beat Barrera. His compatriots, even his avid fans, had so much doubt as to Pacquiao's chances of winning.

Skeptics said Barrera was simply too world-class for Pacquiao to beat. They even laughed at Pacquiao's ambition.

The TV reporter told Pacquiao: "Paano yan Manny, walang naniniwalang matatalo mo si Barrera."

Manny's face looked serene and simple. "Bahala sila. Basta ako, naniniwala akong matatalo ko si Barrera.

That time, only Pacquiao believed in himself.

And that's what he brought to the boxing ring - that firm belief in his own capacity which served as the brutal force that shocked the boxing world in November of 2003.

Round 11, with the boxing world caught in disbelief, saw the rise of the underdog that will set a historic record of being the best fighter pound-for-pound ever.

The reason why I am saying this is obvious. GM Wesley So (2640), the underdog, will face a heavy favorite GM Vassily Ivanchuk (2739) in Round 2 of the 2009 World Chess Cup.

GM So's chances of winning? Numbers put it at 36.12%.

Well, forget the numbers. What So needs to bring to the chess board when he battles Ivanchuk is the same force that has put Pacquiao to where he is now.

All I can say is: Believe in yourself, Wesley. Believe.