Torre set to make history in Istanbul Olympiad
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 26 Jul 2012
GRANDMASTER Eugene Torre?s strong finish in the 2012 National Open Chess Championships didn?t go unrewarded.
The 60-year-old brand new grandfather will make a record 21st appearance in the World Chess Olympiad as GM Julio Catalino Sadorra begged off to continue his studies at the Texas Tech University where he is taking B.S. Applied Mathematics.
This year?s Olympiad is slated on August 27 to September 10 in Istanbul, Turkey.
?This is unexpected. I never envisioned myself representing the country in the biggest stage of chess competition as a senior citizen,? said Torre, who will break a tie with Hungarian GM Lajos Portisch for the most number of stints in the Olympiad.
Portisch has played in 20 consecutive Olympiads while Torre has represented the country in 19 straight Olympiads and 20 overall ? the first in Siegen, Germany in 1970 and the latest in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia in 2010.
He credited his longevity and durability to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular workout in a popular gym.
?It?s not just about talent anymore. My recent success is a testament of the importance of living a healthy life.?
His amazing fitness is in full display during the tournament dubbed as the ?Battle of the Grandmasters.?
Instead of fading in a 15-match marathon, Torre won his last four matches to share third place with International Master Oliver Dimakiling although he missed the last outright seat to the Olympiad via tiebreak.
GM Mark Paragua won the tournament followed by Sadorra and Dimakiling.
Meanwhile, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by chairman/president Prospero ?Butch? Pichay Jr. exercised its option to pick the last player in the team on GM Oliver Barbosa.
The country?s top player, GM Wesley So, is seeded in the team and will man the top board followed by Barbosa, Torre, Paragua and Dimakiling.
Woman International Master Catherine Perena will anchor the women?s team followed by Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose and Woman National Masters Janelle Mae Frayna, Jedara Docena and Jan Jodilyn Fronda.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 2 DECEMBER 2025: Kavaliauskas Wins by Split Decision Over Molina; Whittaker Stops Gavazi in 1; Malajika Wins by UD Over Paras
By Eric Armit, Wed, 03 Dec 2025WBC Strips Terence Crawford of Super Middle Title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Soledad wins WBC Asian Continental title
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Dec 2025A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025