10-year-old prodigy seen as future of Philippine chess

A 10-year-old prodigy is seen as  the future of Philippine chess.

According to Chino Trinidad's report on "24 Oras," Al Basher Buto, a Maranao, is the country's number 1 chess player in the Under-10 category.

Buto, who is also known as "Basti," has impressed several older chess players with his skill.

"Nung unang nakalaro ko po siya, nakita ko 'yung opening, middle game, hanggang endgame, pulido," said Candidate Master Genghis Imperial.

American Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino also saw a lot of potential from the Grade 5 student, but he said there is still plenty of room for improvement especially in the endgame.

"'Yung opening, walang problem, style niya kaparehas ni Wesley [So], positional na biglang aatake," he said.

National Master Chito Garma also has high hopes for Basti, who dreams of becoming a Grandmaster, establish a chess club, and build a mosque.

"Mas more on tactics siya so that means kasing style nung mga nag-world champion kagaya nila Kasparov, nila Fischer," Garma said.

—MGP, GMA News