FRC 960 or Fischer Random Chess 960 is now officially recognised by FIDE (International Chess Federation) and has its first World Chess Champion in Filipino Wesley So who with residence in Minnesota, now plays under the USA flag.
The connection to Asia and the Philippines is very deep and strong with Asia’s first grandmaster, Eugene Torre, a long time friend and confidant of 11th World Champion Robert James Fischer, a co-inventor of this form of chess that keeps intact all the rule with the single exception that the starting position is randomised to neutralise any benefits of preparation before the game with the help of computers in the opening stage.
In the 30th SEA Games FRC 960 is an exhibition sport but the seriousness and participation of the best players in the region speaks volumes as to its importance.
World Blitz Champion Le Quang Liem, Torre himself, Philippines National Coach Jayson Gonzales and Indonesia’s No. 1 Susanto Megaranto, and Vietnam’s rising star Nguyen Anh Khoi are just some of the big names participating in the mens (open).
It is equally serious with the women with Indonesia’s No. 1 Irene Kharisma Sukandar, Philippines only woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Phung and even Thailand’s No. 1 Sarocha Chuemsakul looking to also emerge winners on the womens.
