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Asia's First GM Eugene Torre Triumphs At 2023 Guam International Open Chess Tournament
Photo courtesy from Marlon Bernardino
Eugene Torre, known as Asia's First Chess Grandmaster, showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination at the 2023 Guam International Open Chess Tournament held at the Dusit Beach Resort in Tumon, Guam.
The 71-year-old chess legend left an indelible mark by finishing undefeated with a perfect score of 9 points, securing nine consecutive wins in all nine games played during the week-long event.
Organized by the Guam Chess Federation under the auspices of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament saw participants from various countries showcasing their talents in the enthralling game of chess. Torre's remarkable performance reaffirmed his position as a chess icon and a true inspiration to players worldwide.
Throughout the tournament, Torre demonstrated unmatched strategic prowess, defeating formidable opponents one after another. His victories included triumphs over William Gunn, Daniel Combs, Cyle Sarmiento, Rudolph P. Soriano, Kohei Yonemitsu, Daniel Doria, CM Elmer Prudente, Kyle Garrison, and CM Rogelio L. Orio.
Upon his victory, Torre humbly dedicated his achievement to his fellow countrymen, expressing his gratitude and pride in representing the Philippines on the international chess stage.
"Eugene Torre is a living testament that excellence is a by-product of habit. He never fails to give our country something to be proud of. Mabuhay ka Tito Eugene. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas," said former PUP top chess player Roberto Racasa, acknowledged God Father of Philippine Memory, in praise of Torre's extraordinary talent and contributions to Philippine chess.
Torre's journey to becoming a Grandmaster began in 1974 when he earned the prestigious title after securing the silver medal in the World Chess Olympiad held in Nice, France. At just 22 years old, he became the first Filipino and the first man from Asia to achieve this esteemed rank in the world of chess.
Adding to his list of accolades, Torre was later inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), further cementing his status as a trailblazer and legend in the sport.
A defining moment in Torre's career came in 1976 when he achieved an awe-inspiring feat by defeating the reigning World Champion, GM Anatoly Karpov, during a momentous tournament in Manila. This historic victory established Torre as the first Filipino to conquer the esteemed Russian icon, who held the title of the world's top chess player from 1975 to 1985.
The 71-year-old chess legend left an indelible mark by finishing undefeated with a perfect score of 9 points, securing nine consecutive wins in all nine games played during the week-long event.
Organized by the Guam Chess Federation under the auspices of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament saw participants from various countries showcasing their talents in the enthralling game of chess. Torre's remarkable performance reaffirmed his position as a chess icon and a true inspiration to players worldwide.
Throughout the tournament, Torre demonstrated unmatched strategic prowess, defeating formidable opponents one after another. His victories included triumphs over William Gunn, Daniel Combs, Cyle Sarmiento, Rudolph P. Soriano, Kohei Yonemitsu, Daniel Doria, CM Elmer Prudente, Kyle Garrison, and CM Rogelio L. Orio.
Upon his victory, Torre humbly dedicated his achievement to his fellow countrymen, expressing his gratitude and pride in representing the Philippines on the international chess stage.
"Eugene Torre is a living testament that excellence is a by-product of habit. He never fails to give our country something to be proud of. Mabuhay ka Tito Eugene. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas," said former PUP top chess player Roberto Racasa, acknowledged God Father of Philippine Memory, in praise of Torre's extraordinary talent and contributions to Philippine chess.
Torre's journey to becoming a Grandmaster began in 1974 when he earned the prestigious title after securing the silver medal in the World Chess Olympiad held in Nice, France. At just 22 years old, he became the first Filipino and the first man from Asia to achieve this esteemed rank in the world of chess.
Adding to his list of accolades, Torre was later inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), further cementing his status as a trailblazer and legend in the sport.
A defining moment in Torre's career came in 1976 when he achieved an awe-inspiring feat by defeating the reigning World Champion, GM Anatoly Karpov, during a momentous tournament in Manila. This historic victory established Torre as the first Filipino to conquer the esteemed Russian icon, who held the title of the world's top chess player from 1975 to 1985.
Aug 7, 2023
