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:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026