DUBAI: Saying his plans would compliment President Duterte’s ongoing campaign against drug addiction, Eugene Torre said he wants to open a chess school to keep kids off the vice.
“It has always been at the back of my head to establish a school of chess. I would like to share my knowledge and experience to all wood pushers and enthusiasts,” said the chess grandmaster, who became a household name after beating then-reigning World Champion Anatoly Karpov in Manila back in 1976.
“The current government led by our President Rodrigo Duterte have launched a heavy campaign against drugs and criminality. I strongly believe that through education and learning chess, the school would be able to help the people especially the young ones to learn and apply the principle of chess,” he added.
“Push pawns not drugs and get high on chess not on drugs.”
Torres, who has remained an active player, putting on a strong performance at the recent 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, was in Dubai shortly before last Christmas to hold a simultaneous exhibition game in cooperation with the Filipino Chess Players League – UAE and Dubai Chess Club.
“I believe it is very important to have a strong foundation in understanding chess not only as a game or sport. It is also a way of life. You need to develop certain attributes by continuously learning to become strong, knowledgeable, determined, patient and highly disciplined,” said Torre, who also attended the 4th Annual Asian Excellence Award organized by the Asian Chess Federation.
The event was held in Danat Hotel in Al Ain and the occasion was graced by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation.
“Chess, as a profession, is very challenging. There are lots of strong players I have played with around the world. You really have to be prepared to meet highly competitive players. Most of all, you need to have the right attitude, passion and a big heart to fully understand the game,” Torre said.
