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:
Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center in Brick City
Sat, 11 Apr 2026ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Weights From ‘Mielnicki vs. Huerta’ Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Boquiren to face Olmillo in RFL on April 18
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 11 Apr 2026USA Opens Strong at 2026 Gee Bee Tournament In Helsinki
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Filipino chess prodigy Nika Juris Nicolas eyes Woman International Master title
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 11 Apr 2026Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
Fri, 10 Apr 2026Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
Fri, 10 Apr 2026Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 10 Apr 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
Fri, 10 Apr 2026Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 09 Apr 2026