MANILA – American FIDE Master Steven Breckenridge is set to reinforce the Negros Kingsmen in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup, which starts today.
Kingsmen co-team owner Carlo Fontelo confirmed to Panay News Breckenridge’s commitment, as they hope to bounce back after falling short in the inaugural conference.
“We are so excited to have FM Steven Breckenridge as our import for this conference,” Fontelo said. “With his experience, we are looking forward to having a successful campaign this second conference.”
The Portland, Oregon-native Breckenridge, who is a two-time Oregon State champion, earned his National Master status in 2009 before he became a FIDE Master three years later.
The 28-year-old Breckenridge was also the 2007 National Junior High Champion and Blitz Champion. He also had success in Chesscom 2800 blitz and bullet and in Lichess 2900 Bullet and 2700 Blitz.
Breckenridge also took pride in defeating United States-based Filipino chess player Wesley So – for whom the PCAP second conference was named – in a blitz event five years ago.
“Thankful to the Negros Kingsmen for the opportunity to play for them in the PCAP and hope to take them to victory. Let’s play as a team and give glory to God ‘til the end,” Breckenridge said in a statement.
The Kingsmen had a strong showing in the entire elimination round of the PCAP first conference earlier this year, but bowed to Camarines Soaring Eagles in the Southern Division semifinals.
In the PCAP GM Wesley So Cup, the champion team will receive P150, 000 while the runner-up will get P75,000. The third placer will earn P40,000, while the fourth placer takes home P20,000./PN
