Barbosa reigns in Campomanes memorial chess

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino International Master Oliver Barbosa added another feather to his cap by winning the overall title in the Florencio Campomanes Memorial Yangon International Open Chess 2011 at the Central Hotel Bogyoke Aung San Road in Yangon, Myanmar on Monday.

The Taytay, Rizal native, one of the country’s most talented players seeking the elusive GM title this year, finished with 7.5 points to capture the title and the top prize of $3,000 in this tough, nine round competition organized by Myanmar Chess Federation and Myanmar Sports and Physical Education Department, being held to honor and commemorate the late FIDE honorary president Filipino Florencio “Pocamps” Campomanes.

With the victory, Barbosa’s performance boosted the nation’s morale, said long-time chess benefactor sportsman/businessman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., president/chairman of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

“Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayan Oliver Barbosa got another international chess title,” he said.