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:
“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
Mon, 02 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria
Sun, 01 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Paras stops Abcede in 2nd round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Undefeated Welterweight Ruben Aguilar Stops Luis Lopez in Eight Brutal Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Patricio, Brownlee and Awinongya Enter Medal Rounds on Day Five of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 01 Mar 2026