Asian Youth 18-under chess champion John Marvin Miciano will begin the arduous journey under the Go For Gold program to become the next Filipino grandmaster.
To achieve his dream, the country’s youngest international master from Davao City should secure the required three GM norms by playing in more overseas tournaments against the world’s highly rated chessers.
“We all know how difficult it is to become a GM. But with the support of my family and sponsors such as Go For Gold, it will help me reach my dream,’’ said Miciano.
First stop for Miciano is the Fide Asian Zone 3.3 championships scheduled April 6 to 16 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The tournament will feature the region’s leading woodpushers, including top-rated players from Vietnam and Indonesia.
"Chess is one sport where Filipinos can excel. It is a test of mental strength,’’ said Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go. "I think Marvin is one of our brightest young athletes, who deserve our support.’’
Go, whose program supports eight other sports, has put his faith on the journey of Miciano, who led Far Eastern University to the UAAP title.
The Fide-rated event in Mongolia will open a door of opportunity for the 18-year-old Miciano to showcase his skills against the best and possibly gain a GM norm and rating points.
Aside from Miciano, Go For Gold already has a stable of champions in skateboarder Margielyn Didal, the Philippine dragonboat team from the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Dragonboat Federation, cycling hero Rex Luis Krog and reigning Southeast Asian Games men’s triathlon champion Nikko Huelgas.
Go For Gold is also backing the national athletes from wrestling, sepak takraw, the Philippine Air Force volleyball squad and has a team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.