It might be too early to tell, but several fans are saying this young chess wizards is going to be the next Eugene Torre.
At 7, Oshrie Jhames Reyes of Dila Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga has won in the Central Zone Athletic Academic Meet ( CZAAM ) and INC Unity Games 2019, Inter locals & District. His other achievements are 2nd place in the 1st kiddies tournament of Golden Moves Chess Club, 4th place in the National Age Group Grand Finals and 5th place in the National Youth &School Championship Luzon leg.
The Grade 3 pupil of GNC Montessori in Guagua, Pampanga is also competing in the 20th Asean Age Group Chess Championships 2019, an event scheduled from June 9 to 19 at the Golden Mandalay Hotel and Hotel Hazel in Mandalay City, Myanmar.
If he wins the tournament, Reyes will take home the elusive "Candidate Master title" and that’s something his fans are looking forward to.
"I hope to do well in the upcoming 20th Asean Age Group Chess Championships 2019 in Mandalay City, Myanmar. " said Reyes, who honed his chess skills under the watchful eye of his coaches International Master Barlo Nadera, Levis Miranda, Juan Rojano Jr. and Abel Dimalanta.
Famous chess organizer Genghis Katipunan Imperial had no doubt that Reyes will follow the footsteps of Eugene Torre, Asia's First Grandmaster, the long-time vanguard of Philippine chess.
"He (Oshrie Jhames Reyes) has a talent and I'am no doubt Oshrie is going to be the next Eugene Torre." said Imperial, part of the coaching staff of the Philippine Team who won the 2015 INC International Unity Chess Games.
Jaime Reyes, an OFW in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia had something to say to his son. "Masayang-masaya po ako sa chess career ng anak ko. Isang taon pa lang siya naglalaro ng chess pero marami na siyang achievements."
"Kami ng Mother (Jasmin Reyes) nya ay proud na proud kami sa kanya. (Oshrie Jhames). Hindi lamang siya magaling mag chess, bagkus magaling din siya sa pag-aaral at napakabuti niyang anak. Naniniwala po ako sa future may mga school na kukuha sa anak namin at makakapag-aral ng libre dahil sa skills nya sa chess." last word of Jaime much known Jimmy to the chess world.-Marlon Bernardino-