Grandmaster Eugene Torre to set record for number of chess Olympiads

For his strong finish in the 2012 National Open Chess Championship, Grandmaster Eugene Torre is making a record 21st appearance in the World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey next month.                          "This is unexpected. I never envisioned myself representing the country in the biggest stage of chess competition as a senior citizen," said the 60-year-old Torre.                          Torre will be joined by fellow GMs Wesley So, Oliver Barbosa, Mark Paragua, and Oliver Dimakiling in Turkey. Torre has played in 19 straight Olympiads and 20 overall, in a tie with Hungarian GM Lajos Portisch for most Chess Olympiads.  But the Filipino, who first played in Germany in 1970, will surpass him in August. Even at this late stage of his storied career, Torre is as durable as ever.  He credited his longevity and durability to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular gym workouts. "It’s not just about talent anymore.  My recent success is a testament to the importance of living a healthy life," Torre, part of the silver winning team in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, added. - AMD, GMA News