‘I never give up’: 6-year-old Fil-Am shows promise in US chess | ABS-CBN
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‘I never give up’: 6-year-old Fil-Am shows promise in US chess
‘I never give up’: 6-year-old Fil-Am shows promise in US chess
Connie Macatula-De Leon,
ABS-CBN News
Published Sep 24, 2019 08:23 PM PHT
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Updated Sep 24, 2019 09:12 PM PHT
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OAK PARK, Illinois - Filipino-American Scott Escalera is making waves in chess here. His latest feat? Becoming the highest-rated 6-year-old in America.
OAK PARK, Illinois - Filipino-American Scott Escalera is making waves in chess here. His latest feat? Becoming the highest-rated 6-year-old in America.
According to the United States Chess Federation, Escalera belongs to the top 100 under-7 group and landed in the top 22 overall in the age bracket. In the 6-years-old group, he is the highest-rated player with a 1,311 published rating.
According to the United States Chess Federation, Escalera belongs to the top 100 under-7 group and landed in the top 22 overall in the age bracket. In the 6-years-old group, he is the highest-rated player with a 1,311 published rating.
Escalera started playing chess when he was 18 months old. At 5, he underwent intensive training and has since participated in a series of tournaments.
Escalera started playing chess when he was 18 months old. At 5, he underwent intensive training and has since participated in a series of tournaments.
In a span of 18 months, Escalera bagged 96 trophies, 36 medals, several certificates, and monetary prizes. Almost half of the awards were for first place.
In a span of 18 months, Escalera bagged 96 trophies, 36 medals, several certificates, and monetary prizes. Almost half of the awards were for first place.
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"I admire his passion," said his mother Timmy Escalera.
"I admire his passion," said his mother Timmy Escalera.
Scott's father, Ren Escalera, the boy's trainer who was a college-varsity chess player, said each kid has his or her own talent. The parents' role is to help discover the talent and put it to good use.
Scott's father, Ren Escalera, the boy's trainer who was a college-varsity chess player, said each kid has his or her own talent. The parents' role is to help discover the talent and put it to good use.
"Ang pinakaimportante is 'yung passion at interest ng bata. Kasi kung walang interest sa chess, hindi mo talaga mapipilit,” Ren said.
"Ang pinakaimportante is 'yung passion at interest ng bata. Kasi kung walang interest sa chess, hindi mo talaga mapipilit,” Ren said.
Escalera is currently in first grade and has advice to kids who aspire to be successful like him.
Escalera is currently in first grade and has advice to kids who aspire to be successful like him.
“To focus, play a lot of games, review a lot of games, train, and if I lose, I never give up. First, have fun. Second, enjoy what you're doing. Third, keep trying. Fourth, keep trying. Lastly, be thankful," he said.
“To focus, play a lot of games, review a lot of games, train, and if I lose, I never give up. First, have fun. Second, enjoy what you're doing. Third, keep trying. Fourth, keep trying. Lastly, be thankful," he said.
He is now training for the state championship in November and the national championship in December.
He is now training for the state championship in November and the national championship in December.
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