Six-year-old Filipino chess player Stephen Rome Pangilinan returned home to Manila on Saturday after his triumphant campaign in the recently concluded Las Vegas International Chess Festival.
Pangilinan, who won the over-all championship in the Susan Polgar under eight-year-old division, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 107 at 4 a.m.
The six-year-old chess champion gamely faced the media, carrying his trophy despite being exhausted from the long trip.
Pangilinan, who dreams of playing with Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, said he is happy with his victory, beating 37 other participants from different countries.
When asked how he won the tournament, he said: “Ginamit ko ang aking pamatay na opening.”
His father Melbourne could not hide his delight upon seeing his son.
He said the younger Pangilinan first showed interest in the game when he was just three years old.
The champ said he will continue practicing with Milo Checkmate Philippines so that someday, he can fulfill his dreams of becoming a grandmaster like GM Wesley So.
Pangilinan’s next tournament will be in Melbourne, Australia this November.
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