FIRST Asian Grandmaster Eugene Torre was presented as the first grandmaster in the world to be awarded a government professional license.
"We congratulate Grandmaster Eugene Torre for becoming the first Grandmaster in the Philippines -- and according to the record of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines -- in the world to receive a government professional license in chess," said Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra at the official announcement held at the GAB-PCAP joint media conference via Google.
Like other pro leagues, Mitra asserted that GAB is ready to guide and assist the NCAP, more than the security aspect of the athletes, but will remain on standby out of respect for the "self-regulation" of the leadership.
The GAB recently accepted the Atty. Paul Elaria-led Professional Chess Association of the Philippine (PCAP) application to become the first professional chess in the country and Southeast Asia. This is in collaboration with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
On his part, Torre thanked GAB and the unity of all chess stakeholders for its supposed "breakthrough" in Philippine chess.
As a licensed GAB pro chess player, Torre is set to play in PCAP, which is set to open the season in January next year.
"Of course, GM Torre is entitled to join, actually, many teams are already interested, we just don't know if GM has been selected," Elaria said. (JSG)