Sander Severino, a Filipino world chess champion, dies at 40

MANILA, Philippines – Sander Severino, one of the most decorated chess players the Philippines has produced, died on Saturday, February 7.

He was 40.

Severino’s death came just a couple of weeks after he earned three golds and one silver at the ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, in January, massively contributing to the Philippines’ best-ever showing in the regional showdown for differently-abled athletes. The country finished fourth overall with a 45-gold, 37-silver, and 52-bronze haul. 

The pride of Silay, Negros Occidental, ruled the men’s individual standard PI and men’s individual blitz PI and shared the golden honors with Henry Roger Lopez and Jasper Rom in the men’s team blitz PI.

Severino collected a total of 12 golds, two silvers, and two bronzes across four ASEAN Para Games editions.

A force in the region, Severino was also impressive on the continental stage, having won a total of five golds, one silver, and one bronze in the Asian Para Games.

Severino was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of eight and became wheelchair-bound for most of his life. But he excelled in a sport where the mind is the greatest asset.

A FIDE Master, Severino earned the distinction of world chess champion when he topped the International Physically Disabled Chess Association Online World Championship in 2020.

He went unbeaten with eight wins and one draw, besting five-time champion International Master Igor Yarmonov of Ukraine.

Severino took great responsibility in being an inspiration and role model for athletes of his kind. 

“It feels good when people cheer for you and you’re the star. But I realized that it also comes with a bigger responsibility to my fellow people and athletes with disabilities… that I’m an instrument to inspire them… to make them believe that we can reach our dreams and contribute to the progress of our nation,” Severino wrote on Facebook in Filipino in 2020. 

Those in the chess community mourned Severino’s death. 

“You will forever live in our hearts — in every move we make, in every fight we continue, and in every victory we dedicate to the team you loved so dearly,” Philippine para chess team head coach James Infiesto wrote in one of his Facebook tributes to Severino. 

“His courage, dedication, and love for the game live on in every move we make and every battle we face for the country. He may be gone, but his legacy remains — guiding us, strengthening us, and reminding us why we play.” – Rappler.com