Pinoy takes on Libyan in World Chess Olympiad Opener

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).