Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso dies at 75
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 21 Aug 2013
Manila, Philippines -- Rodolfo Tan Cardoso born on the 25th of December 1937 in Anda, Pangasinan. He was responsible for putting the Philippines on the chess world map, a player, arbiter, coach and teacher. Cardoso was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1957, making him the first Asian IM.
On Wednesday (August 21, 2013), the Filipino chess community mourned the loss of strong chess master Tan-Cardoso, who passed away.
Tan-Cardoso of Anda/Alaminos, Pangasinan suffered a heart attack at 3:10pm Wednesday at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He was rushed Tuesday night due to heart attack.
"It was a big loss for Philippine chess ang pagkamatay ni Rudy (Cardoso). Malaki ang contribution niya sa Philippine chess kasama na lately ang pagtuturo nya sa mga kabataan," said Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, founder of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
"Isa siya sa hinahangaan kong player ng bata ako, tactician siya at natural talent during that time yung positional play ay hindi pa uso," added Torre.
"He was a true gentleman over the chessboard. Being the first International Master of Asia. He arose Philippines interest in chess and put our country in the world chess map. And, he was the only Filipino to ever beat Bobby Fischer in Chess," said two-time olympian member National Master/Lawyer Samuel Estimo.
"Rudy (Cardoso), together with (Florencio (Campomanes), NMs Carlos Benitez and Glicerio Badilles, composed of 1st Philippine Team that played in Moscow Olympiad in 1956," recalled Estimo.
"To the people of Pangasinan and to all chess organizers, players and supporters, we of the Pangasinan Chess League, are so sad to inform you the sudden death due heart attack of our chess icon, teacher and fren, First Asia's Chess International Master (IM), Rodoldo Tan Cardoso," said Pangasinan Chess League president Don Sison.
"Rest in Peace Cardoso," said Singapore based IM Domingo Razo Ramos.
"Condolence to Tan-Cardoso family.. May God give them the strength they need.. and may he rest in peace," said Bangkok based Dante Sagyaman who hails from Benguet province.
"Condolence po sa family ni IM Cardoso, I once met him some years ago, he was so full of wisdom and chess strategies" said Bicol chess player Joseph Mendoza.
His remains will be placed at La Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial, Sucat, Panaraque on Wednesday. Then, his body will be transferred Saturday morning at his beloved province, Alaminos, Pangasinan. Interment on Monday.
For complete details call or text his nephew Rene at 0922 853 6256. -Marlon Bernardino-
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