Chess Olympiad: Dresden 2008

Here's one record breaking event for chess... 152 Chess Federations are participating and this one is the largest Olympiad of all times!

For the opening ceremony, "Dresden mayor presents extensive Opening Ceremony of the Chess Olympiad - Evening of 12 November 2008 filled with attractions and stars" as what the Official Website tells us. I guess the chess world has learned a lot from the NBA when it comes to marketing, advertising and what-have-yous when it comes to trumpeting their events! Successful promotion of an event like paving the way for an even successful project!

November 12-25, 2008! Watch out for the world's best!

In light of this, le' me direct you to the October 2008 FIDE Rating list:

1. Federations World Ranking

Philippines on 34th out of 138. Russia on top with an average rating of 2720, followed by Ukraine with 2684 average rating. On third is Asian powerhouse China with an average rating of 2642, on 4th spot is US of America with an average rating of 2637. Rounding up the world's top 5 is Israel with 2637 average rating.

Our Asian neighbors aside from China and Russian sounding country name: India is on the 9th spot with an average rating of 2620, Vietnam on 38th with an average rating of 2493, Iran on 50th and Singapore on 61st.

2. Philippines Top 10

GM Wesley So is our country's top 1 with a 2610 rating, followed by GM Eugene Torre with 2560 rating. On 3rd spot with 2526 rating and former board 1 Olympiad player for the Philippines, GM Mark Paragua. On 4th spot we have IM John Paul Gomez with 2519. On 5th is GM Joey Antonio with a rating of 2515.

The next top five players for our country are as follows:

GM Darwin Laylo, untitled Rolando Nolte, IM Joseph Sanchez, GM Jayson Gonzales and GM Bong Villamayor from 6th to 10th.

Our Olympiad-bound players are all in the top ten and hopefully we end up on a higher place after final team standings of the Olympiad is published. Go go go Team Philippines!