The National Chess Federation of the Philippines tapped Grandmaster Darwin Laylo to replace Grandmaster Julio Catalino “Ino” Sadorra in the national team competing in the 44th World Chess Olympiad set August 5 to 18 in Moscow, Russia.
“Grandmaster Laylo placed second to International Master Haridas Pascua in the four-man elimination tournament held recently for the Olympic team.” said Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, newly-appointed executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Abraham “Bambol” Ng Tolentino Jr.
The final line-up according to Orbe, will be Laylo, reigning Philippine National Chess Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, International Master Paulo Bersamina and International Master Haridas Pascua.
Laylo, is one of the top players of multi-titled Philippine Army chess team playing under the banner of Under Secretary Lieutenant General, AFP (Ret.) Arthur Tabaquero (AFP Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs) and Col. Dexter Macasaet (Director, SSC, IMCOM, PA). He expressed readiness to take part in his Olympiad quest, saying that he started intensive training last weekend.
“Special thanks to our NCFP Chairman/President Prospero ‘Butch’ Pichay Jr. and Executive Director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe for this opportunity. I will truly give my best to play and help our (PH) Olympic team,” said Laylo.
Coming off a winning performance at the Hong Bao Rating Tournament 2020 (Open division), at the Singapore Chess Federation Conference Room in Bishan, Singapore last January 25 to 27, 2020, the San Roque, Marikina City based Laylo is looking to follow-up that victory when he plays in the Singapore Chess Federation High Performance Enrichment (HPE) in Bishan, Singapore.
He also won the January edition of Asean Chess Academy (ACA) Rapid Chess Tournament last January 5, 2020 at the Bukit Timah Shopping Centre in Singapore.