New chess group wants to produce more Filipino GMs  

Boxing icon and chess enthusiast Manny Pacquiao wants to see more Filipino grandmasters in the next few years as part of his legacy to the sport he loves and plays with passion.  A new chess group, backed by individuals from various sectors of society, has heeded the call of Pacquiao to bring chess to higher levels.  The newly formed National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) installed Pacquiao as its chairman and has gotten a huge support from a chess community waiting for change.  "We want to leave a legacy to the sport by unifying the community first. We've seen so much talent in the country. We have heard the sentiments and frustrations of our fellow athletes. I want to help and contribute," said Pacquaio on Saturday.  No less than Filipino super grandmaster Wesley So, now playing for the US chess federation, has thrown his support to the newly formed group. He expressed willingness to lend a hand to whatever is needed by the NUCFP.  Grandmasters Rogelio Barcenilla Jr., Julio Catalino Sadorra, John Paul Gomez and dozens of other titled players have also signified their intentions to contribute to the chess community and what ails it.  Filipino masters who have made chess as careers, including...