PH's Top Chess GM John Paul Gomez, eyes 2015 Chess World Cup

Photo from Rappler.com

Philippines' Top Chess Grand Master John Paul Gomez gears up for Asian Continental Chess Championships on August 1st at the Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The 29-year old Gomez told PTV Sports, that he is currently 100% focus on his training and so to maintain his good form coming to the August 1-13 chessfest.

"Kailangan yung materials, kumpleto sa materials. Yung computer tska sa books. Tapos sa physical exercise, jogging ganun. Kung anumang physical, part yun eh. Kasi mahaba yung game, yung isang laro umaabot ng 5-6 hours." said Gomez.

Asian Continental event will be the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Chess World Cup in Azerbaijan in September wherein only the top 5 winners can advance to the prestigious World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, Gomez admitted that his dream to compete in the World Cup will never be easy as he will face Asian bets from China and India, who are considered to be the powerhouses in the said tournament.

"Maraming malalakas sa China at sa India eh. So most likely, puro sila yung makakakuha nung slots. So kung may makakapasok satin, from Philippines na isa, ano na yun... sobrang laking bagay na. Kaya gusto kong makasali talaga." Gomez added.

Although more than 15 years now in his Chess career and three-time World Chess Olympiad campaigner, Gomez have not yet competed in the World Cup.

Gomez is currently the 1st Ranked Chess Grand Master in the Philippines with his ELO Ratings of 2,512 points.