9-year-old Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship gold medalist becomes candidate master

The Philippines reigned supreme in the 2022 Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand last November 4-13.

The tournament for chess players 18 years old and below saw the Philippines win 22 gold medals in blitz, rapid, and standard events.

Among the gold medalists was nine-year-old Bince Rafael Operiano, who became a candidate master after achieving the feat.

The Oas, Albay native, who wants to play like Bobby Fischer, started playing at 5 years old after being taught by his father, who works as a security guard.

"Pag-uwi niya ng 5 ng hapon hanggang 8 p.m., training," said Bince's father Ben in Chino Trinidad's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday.

Bince also had a chance to talk with World Chess Hall of Famer Eugene Torre, who had a tip for the young player.

"Bobby Fischer, 'yan ang laruin mo. Tapos aral ka ng opening," Torre said to Bince during their chance encounter in a tournament in Bulacan.

Bince's coach Archie Haig also described his student as a persevering and hardworking player.

And he only has one wish for his mentee: "[Maging] grand master level na para makadagdag tayo ng mga grandmaster sa Pilipinas."

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA Integrated News