Wesley So now the world's top 64 chess player

Source: ABS CBN NEWS
Grandmaster Wesley So gained 9.3 points according to the March 2010 RP-FIDE rating list to post the highest ranking ever in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) list by a Filipino.

The 16-year-old Bacoor, Cavite based chess player is now ranked No. 64 in the world with a total of 2665 ELO rating points after gaining 9.3 points in Corus B and Aeroflot Chess.

So was ranked 77th world ranking last January.

He is now the No. 2 in the world in the U-18 (active players) category and No.1 in Asia in the same category.

So, fresh from winning the Aeroflot Open junior plum, was also one of the major awardees in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during the Annual Awards Night last Monday at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

“I’m sure he (So) would have a chance to break into the world 2700 barrier because we have more international tournaments lined up for him,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “ Butch” Pichay Jr.

Meanwhile, the Philippines slid two notches down to No.33 from previous No.31.

Twelve-time national open champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, IM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., GM John Paul Gomez and Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre are the next top RP players with ratings of 2572, 2527, 2518, 2507, and 2506 respectively.

GM Magnus Carlsen of Norway skyrocketed to his career-high of 2813 Elo rating to retain his No.1 world ranking in the FIDE March 2010 rating list.

Carlsen added 3.0 Elo points more to his January 2010 rating to solidify his hold of the No.1 spot.

GM Judith Polgar of Hungary still on top in the distaff side with 2682.
Carlsen (2813) remains at no.1 in the top 20 under juniors while Yifan Hou of China dominated the top 20 under girls with 2570.