One consolation is that one of the players, Cebu-based Byron Bongon, was able to advance in the first day of play. Bongon, competing at Star Craft: Brood War, however failed to advance further, after getting a beating from one of the top players from South Korea.

Team Horsemen of the Apocalypse posted a disappointing 1-win, 1-loss, and 1-draw record, which was not good enough for the enxt round. Members of the team includes Kristofer Romillo, Arvin Agbisit, Gary Gueverras, EJ Clores and Jupiter Gaboy.

Tristan Solee, one of the "rookies" of the Philippine team, failed to battle the nerves of playing in a global arena, posting just a single win in his bracket for War Craft: Frozen Throne.

Israel Magante, competing at the Need for Speed: Carbon individual event, also failed to advance, after bowing to top rivals and posting a 2-win, 2-loss record. World Cyber Games project leader Tjader Regis said the players succumbed to more experienced foreign counterparts. "The competition is tougher, with more and more professional gamers entering the World Cyber Games," Regis said.

However, the exposure will help Filipino players further get the feeling of playing with world-class competition, Regis said. He also hinted that the Philippines can still improve, and that there are still many talented Filipino gamers that are yet to be "discovered."

As of presstime, the big guns of the tournament, including South Korea, China, the US and some European countries, are still battling it out for the finals scheduled Sunday. South Korea bested other countries last year, after winning the "Best Team" award at the World Cyber Games 2006 held in Monza, Italy. The country is also a heavy favorite to again cup the title.

The World Cyber Games is known as the Olympics of computer gaming, drawing hundreds of players vying for cash prizes and competing for the honor of being the best computer player in the planet.

The World Cyber Games in Seattle attracted more than 70 countries, and more than 700 players, organizers said.