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:

  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • Chess Players Association of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (CPANOI) – 2026 Opening Event
    By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • STUNNING SMITH DESTROYS MATIAS TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION
    Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Former WBC champ Bazooka Limón hospitalized in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Zuffa Boxing set to unveil its maiden card on January 23 in Las Vegas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’ve got an army and army’s move in numbers’ Owen Corrigan returns for Light Heavyweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    Sat, 10 Jan 2026