Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Laylo takes over Sadorra's slot in Chess Olympiad

By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 27 Feb 2020

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines has tapped Grandmaster Darwin Laylo to replace Grandmaster Julio Catalino "Ino" Sadorra in the national team competing in the 44th World Chess Olympiad set August 5 to 18 in Moscow, Russia.

"Grandmaster Julio Catalino "Ino" Sadorra will be replaced by Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, who placed second to International Master Haridas Pascua in the 4-man elimination tournament held recently, in the Olympic team," said Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, newly-appointed executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Ng Tolentino Jr.

Thus, the final line-up according to Orbe, are Laylo, reigning Philippine National Chess Champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr., Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, International Master Paulo Bersamina and International Master Haridas Pascua.

Laylo is one of the top players of multi-titled Philippine Army chess team playing under the banner of Usec Lieutenant General, AFP (Ret.) Arthur Tabaquero (AFP Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs) and Col. Dexter Macasaet (Director, SSC, IMCOM, PA), expressed readiness to take part in his Olympiad quest, saying that he’ll begin intensive training Saturday.
"Special thanks to our NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Executive Director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe for this given opportunity. I will truly give my best to play and help our (PH) Olympic team.

Coming off a winning performance at the Hong Bao Rating Tournament 2020 (Open division), at the Singapore Chess Federation Conference Room in Bishan, Singapore last January 25 to 27, 2020, the San Roque, Marikina City based Laylo is looking to follow-up that victory when he resumes play in the Singapore Chess Federation High Performance Enrichment (HPE) in Bishan, Singapore.

He also won the January edition of Asean Chess Academy (ACA) Rapid Chess Tournament last January 5, 2020 at the Bukit Timah Shopping Centre in Singapore.

Laylo is scheduled to leave the country on Friday via Jetstar Airways bound for Singapore. A match looms between Laylo and Singapore's hopeful GM elect Kevin Goh Weiming in the process according to Laylo's handler and wife Singapore based Arah Rustia Laylo.

Laylo and 13 times Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. received invitations from Mr. Blair Rutter, President, Manitoba Chess Association, which organized the upcoming chess event dubbed as Manitoba meets Manila chess tournament to be held on June 26 to 28, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.-Marlon Bernardino-


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Deniega to fight Oka in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Illness forces Paddy Donovan to withdraw from IBF Welterweight World Eliminator January 16 versus Liam Paro in Australia
    Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
    Thu, 01 Jan 2026
  • Lover Boy on hot streak
    By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
    Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Donaire awaits WBA order
    By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
    Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
    Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
    Sun, 28 Dec 2025