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:
Brico Santig Wins IBF “Most Active Promoter” Award
Thu, 28 May 2026FOSTER AND FORD IN FIERY FACE-OFF IN HOUSTON
Thu, 28 May 2026Tank Davis could return later this year
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 28 May 2026GM Joey Antonio to compete in Asean Sr chessfest in Singapore
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19
Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event
Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 27 May 2026Llover ready to fight Angeletti on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 27 May 2026Tyson Fury could return in Dublin on August 1st
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 27 May 2026Long After the Cheers: Luisito Espinosa…Battle of Manila Bay 2…and an Unofficial World Record Worth Remembering
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 27 May 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Jordan Orozco (16-0, 16 KOs) Continues Rapid Ascent as One of Boxing’s Most Exciting Young Stars
Wed, 27 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures 13 Medals at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 27 May 2026