Pinoy takes on Libyan in World Chess Olympiad Opener
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Aug 2012
AFTER a tiring nearly 11-hour connecting flight to this historic, culture-rich city, Team Philippines is bidding to rebound from its worst-ever 50th place finish by facing lowly-rated Libya Tuesday night at the start of 40th FIDE World Chess Olympiad at the WOW Convention Center in Istanbul, Turkey.
The No.35 seed Philippines men's team is composed of GM Wesley So (ELO 2652), GM Oliver Barbosa (2554), GM Eugene Torre (2469), GM Mark Paragua (2508) and GM candidate Oliver Dimakiling (2428). While the No. 113 Libya is composed of Elarbi Abobker (2259), Mansour Abdallah (unrated), FM Al-Zayat Ahmed (1977), FM Asabri Hussien (2211) and Asabri Hussan (2179).
National Chess Federation of the Philippine (NCFP) Secretary-General Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. said the Filipinos are still in good position to surpass their 50th-place finish in the Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia Olympiad two years ago. ?As I?ve said, I like our chances now. We have a young but experienced batch of players ready to do their best for the country,? said Tolentino.
In the distaff side, Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena, is aiming to improve on its 44th place windup in the 2010 Olympiad held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
Perena (2091), WFM Rulp Ylem Jose (2061), WNM Jannelle Mae Frayna (1991), WNM Jedara Docena (2061) and WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda (2022) are playing No. 57 Philippines women's team. They will meet No.121 Pakistan comprised by
Wasif Zenubia (unrated), Siddiqui Nida Mishraz (1670), Khuaja Ghazala Shabbir (unrated), Khuaja Fatima Shabbir (unrated) and Mehak Gul (unrated).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
Sat, 11 Jul 2026LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 11 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev drives global combat sports expansion with historic wrestling partnership with RAF
Sat, 11 Jul 2026July 14th Fight Card Featuring Hasim Rahman Moved to Tuesday, August 18th at ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York
Sat, 11 Jul 2026Sem Japet Enano scores another Upset in Brisbane, Stops Tyler Blizzard in 7th
Fri, 10 Jul 2026WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Gabriel Santisima set to defend title tomorrow in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Fri, 10 Jul 2026BiYu Promotions Launches "Fights Under the Lights" with Star-Studded Card Featuring the Return of the Grandy Twins
Fri, 10 Jul 2026Full card set for ProBoxTV on July 18 in San Bernardino
Fri, 10 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises world-class spectacle ahead of IBA PRO 19 showdown
Fri, 10 Jul 2026Ataev-Uzcategui WBA title eliminator officials named
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 10 Jul 2026GM Joey Antonio is set to defend his titles at the upcoming sixth Gov. Henry S.Oaminal Chess Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 10 Jul 2026