GM Joey Antonio's Australian Chess Circuit campaign is in peril, facing visa problem
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Mar 2025
Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. is facing visa issues ahead of the Philippine team’s departure for the Australian Chess Circuit next month.
Antonio is hoping to get a visa after the Australian Embassy in Manila refused his 1st visa application.
"I just want to represent our country, promote chess and meet our Filipino community in Australia. Sydney is very close to my heart. This is where I achieved my 1st Grandmaster norm. I have been in Australia twice. I don't know why I was refused. I reapplied yesterday. I hope they will grant my visa this time," the 63-year-old Antonio said Tuesday.
Antonio got his first GM norm in Sydney in 1985. He also competed in the Sydney International Open in 2006.
Antonio, a 13-time Philippine Open Champion is reaching out to the office of Senator Koko Pimentel, Senator Manny Pacquiao, retired Col. Jaime Osit Santos as well the office of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Despite an official invitation letter from the Australian chess organizer as well the endorsement letter of the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, the Australian Embassy in Manila refused his visa application.
Antonio is set to compete in the Melbourne International Open Chess Tournament to be held in Melbourne from April 7-14, 2025, the 2025 O2C Doeberl Cup Chess Tournament to be held at Canberra from April 17 - 21 2025, and the Sydney International Open 2025 to be held at Sydney from April 23-27, 2025.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Rosales to fight Obedencio in RFL co-main event
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Quiñonero to fight Cadalso in Juego Todo Pro
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Miel Fajardo Unleashes Thrilling Fury: Filipino Slugger Blasts Reyes in IBF Flyweight Eliminator in Argentina
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Apr 2026IBA NOMAD 14 delivers spectacular night of combat sports in Almaty
Sun, 12 Apr 2026Fajardo TKOs Reyes in IBF flyweight eliminator
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Apr 2026P450k in Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Apr 2026Tyson Fury gets a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov in England
Sun, 12 Apr 2026'The Take Over' Renden Oppas Scores Win in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Apr 2026CK Ingles: A Chess Player, Chess Team Manager - CHESS KINGS, Chess Tournament and Event Organizer
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Apr 2026Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center in Brick City
Sat, 11 Apr 2026ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Sat, 11 Apr 2026