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:
WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Apr 2026Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
Thu, 09 Apr 2026IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Overweight Paradero cancels bout
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Biado's World 8-Ball Title Bid Ends
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 08 Apr 2026WBC Champion Lester Martinez will be honored in Guatemala Congress
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Full Card Announced for this Saturday, April 11, Mielnicki Jr. vs. Huerta Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Wed, 08 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 7 APRIL 2026: Santiago Retains WBA/WBO Titles in Tokyo; Taduran KOs Perez in 5; Price Decisions Aquino; Wins by Wilder, Bentley and Tim Tszyu
By Eric Armit, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Carlo Biado is the last Filipino standing in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-Ball World Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 07 Apr 2026Unification next for Taduran?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Apr 2026