Bitoon, Barbosa share lead in Campo chess

MANILA, Philippines - IMs Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa downed FM San Thit Lwin and IM Myo Naing of Myanmar to grab a share of the lead in the third round of the Campomanes Memorial Yangon International Open Chess Championship in Yangon, Myanmar yesterday.

It was the Filipino bets’ third straight victories as they joined IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam, IM Atanhu Lahiri of India and IM Shen Siyuan of China in the lead of the nine-round event which offers $3,000 to the winner.

Bitoon earlier crushed Khore Bean Hwa of Malaysia and Myint Han of Myanmar while Barbosa defeated Zaw Win and Nyi Nyi Lwin of Myanmar.

The event, held in honor of the late FIDE Emeritus Florencio Campomanes, drew 26 GMs and IMs from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the US with host Myanmar fielding in 47 entries.

Reigning national junior champion FM Mari Joseph Turqueza, who earlier hurdled La Pyae Min and Than Min Hlaing of Myanmar, bowed IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam in the third round and dropped to two-pointers group.