DETERMINED. International Master Angelo Abundo Young will compete abroad, hoping to earn the required norms to become a grandmaster. The former national junior champion has won many tournaments in the United States. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Every chess player wants to be a grandmaster and for Angelo Abundo Young, achieving that goal means earning the required GM norms from tournaments participated by highly rated players.
“We all know how difficult it is to become a GM. But with the support of my family, my friends and sponsors, I can reach my dream,” said the 53-year-old International Master.
Young has a busy schedule this year, starting with the 18th IGB Malaysian Chess Festival scheduled from Aug. 25 to Sept. 3 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia followed by the FIDE World Senior Championships in Terrasini, Italy (Oct. 24-Nov. 6) and the Penang Open in Malaysia (Dec. 18-24).
"I will do my very best for flag and country," said the 1982 national junior champion. He is currently head coach of the Emilio Aguinaldo College chess team.
Two weeks ago, Young ruled the Canon Carlsen Kasparov FIDE Blitz Open at the Robinsons Place, General Trias City, Cavite. He placed second at the Canon Carlsen Kasparov FIDE Standard Open won by National Master Giovanni Mejia.
Young finished third behind Recarte Tiauson and Fide Master David Elorta at the 1st Sipocot Mayor's Cup Open held on June 17-18 in Camarines Sur.
Before going overseas, Young will see action in the AQ Prime Stream FIDE Standard Open on July 1-2 at the Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City and the "Asenso Misamis Occidental National Open" on July 8-9 at the Ozamiz City auditorium.
Young left for the United States in 1991, joining various tournaments aside from coaching. He earned two MVP awards while playing for the Chicago Blaze in the United States Chess League.
A year after returning to the Philippines in 2018, he joined the World Senior Chess Championships (+50 division) in Bucharest, Romania and finished the tournament tied for fifth place with 12 others with 7.5 points. (PNA)
