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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 JUNE 2026
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Clarion to leave on July 2 for WBC Youth title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo Stays Undefeated with Devastating Seventh-Round Knockout at Fist of Fury 11
Tue, 30 Jun 2026World Boxing Council Unveils Special July 4th Commemorative Belt Honoring USA 250th Anniversary
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Jun 202612-Year-Old Filipina Memory Prodigy Georgina Santos to Represent the Philippines in Two World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 30 Jun 2026World championship mega-fight between Christian Mbilli and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez postponed to October
Mon, 29 Jun 2026Filipino Jonas Magpantay wins Indonesia; pockets $15,000, gains steam heading to Vietnam
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Ex-kickboxer to debut in MMA Slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Deaño settles to a draw
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026Abdyrakhmanov defeats Kadiev, Kudryashov knocks out Yousefi at IBA Bare Knuckle 5 in Moscow
Sun, 28 Jun 2026WBC declares German Agit Kabayel new WBC heavyweight champion after Usyk relinquishes his title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 28 Jun 20264th Gov. RST MMA Slugfest on July 3
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 27 Jun 2026