MJ Turqueza to play in the 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 Jul 2018
MANILA, Philippines---FIDE MASTER (FM) and International Master (IM) elect Mari Joseph "MJ" Logizesthai Turqueza is excited for his first Philippine Team experience in the upcoming 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia to be held on September 23 to October 6, 2018.
"I'm excited. It's my first time playing there (World Chess Olympiad)," said the 25-years-old Turqueza, top player of San Beda University (SBU) taking up BS Marketing under the watchful eye of San Beda University athletic director Ato Badolato, Prefect Student Athletes Michael John Rubio and head chess coach Ildefonso "Ponching" Datu.
"Every athlete's dream is to represent his country in the world's biggest stage and to compete against the best players in the world. It feels great that the time I've spent on training has paid off, now I am looking forward for more training," added Turqueza who now in a rigid training, six hours a day.
Turqueza, the son of Atty. Gene Turqueza of the famous V.Luna Chess Club, is reviewing his petline Catalan Opening for white side and Sicilian-Najdorf for black pieces.
Fondly called "MJ" in the chess world, he got his first of the three IM norm during the Asian Zonal Chess Championships in 2013 in Tagaytay City, hosted by chess patron Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Ng Tolentino Jr.
He earned two IM norms in the same year during the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship that was held at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.
Turqueza needed to improve his ELO ratings 2360 to 2400 to become a full-fledged International Master (IM) according to Atty. Cliburn Anthony A.Orbe, treasurer and spokesperson of the of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Ng Tolentino Jr.
NCFP tresurer and spokesperson Atty. Cliburn Anthony A.Orbe added that other member's of the men's team are US based Grandmaster (GM) Julio Catalino "Ino" Sadorra, Grandmaster (GM) John Paul Gomez, International Master (IM) Haridas Pascua and International Master (IM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia.
The women's squad is composed of country's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna, Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena-Secopito, Woman International Master (WIM) Marie Antoinette San Diego, Woman International Master Bernadette Galas and Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza.
Asia's First Grandmaster (GM) Eugene Torre is the head coach.
Former Olympian member and Asian Junior Champion International Master (IM) Domingo Razo Ramos had something to say in the final line up of the Philippine chess team.
"Maganda line up ng Philippine chess team, puro mga bata para mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon makapaglaro at maka gain ng experience sa World Chess Olympiad," said the Singapore-based IM Ramos who played for the country twice in Chess Olympiads (1980 Valleta, Malta and 1984 Thesaloniki, Greece), and three-times (1994 Moscow, Russia, 1996 Yerevan, Armenia and 1998 Elista, Kalmykia, Russia) Japan National Team board 1 player.(Marlon Bernardino)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024