By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The second conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) is already in the works, and fittingly, it would be named the “Wesley So Cup.”
PCAP Commissioner Paul Elauria said the 27-year-old Cavite-born Grandmaster Wesley So, who recently became an American citizen, is throwing his support to the association by sponsoring the prize money in the conference.
“We have been in constant communication with GM Wesley (So) and the idea to sponsor the conference came from him,” Elauria said.
“This just shows that GM Wesley (So) still wants to continue supporting Filipino players despite his move to the United States.”
The second conference will be a Reinforced tournament this time, as teams can invite non-Filipino players to provide star power to the tournament.
Specific details, however, are still to be discussed in the coming weeks although PCAP officials are looking to hold it from May to July.
PCAP also plans to hold an All Star Game prior to the Reinforced Conference next month where the best players from the Northern Division clash with their counterparts from the South.
PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Chua said the all-star team selection will be based on fan votes that they will launch next week, as well as player votes.
Coaches, however, will come from Division champion teams Laguna Heroes (North) and Camarines Soaring Eagles (South).
Meanwhile, the Open Conference – the third and last in the season – is scheduled late this year with organizers planning to invite a foreign squads to compete.
The All Filipino Conference recently concluded over the weekend with the Laguna Heroes winning the title over the Camarines Soaring Eagles.
