Asia’s first IM Cardoso; 75

Rodolfo Tan Cardoso,  the first Asian International Master and member of the first Philippine team that competed in the Moscow Chess Olympiad in 1956, died Wednesday after a heart attack.

Born Dec. 25, 1937 in Anda, Pangasinan,  Cardoso was highly regarded as a player, arbiter, coach and teacher. He earned his  IM title in 1957.

He and Campomanes saw action in Moscow along with  NMs Carlos Benitez and Glicerio Badilles.

“He was a true gentleman over the chessboard. As the first International Master of Asia, he aroused Philippine interest in chess and put our country in the world chess map. And, he was the only Filipino to ever beat (American chess great) Bobby Fischer,” said two-time Olympian and National Master/lawyer Samuel Estimo.

“He’s a big loss to Philippine chess. Before his death, he was still involved in the sport by teaching youngsters,” said Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre.

His remains lie at La Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial, Sucat, Parañaque. The body will be transferred Saturday morning to Alaminos, Pangasinan. Interment will be on Monday.

For details, call or text his nephew Rene at 0922 853 6256.