BARBOSA WINS 14TH US OVER-ALL CHESS TITLE

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa continued his winning streak in the US as he emerged over-all champion in the just-concluded
6th Annual George Washington Open International Chess Championships last June 13 to 14 in Sterling, Virginia.

Barbosa, who hails from Taytay, Rizal settled for a draw over IM Adu Oladapo in the fifth and final round to secure his fourteen (14) US chess title.

Actually, Barbosa, Oladapo finished 4.5 points, the same output of IM Lawrence Charles Kaufman, FM Tegshsuren Enkhbat and Darwin Li, however after the tie break points was applied, Barbosa enroute the coveted chess plum in the event organized by Virginia Chess Federation and supervised by Chief Tournament Director Michael Atkins.

Other Filipino entry were Deodato Noel Obregon (4.0 points), William Marcelino (3.5 points), Allan Salgado (3.0 points), and Hercules “Herky” del Mundo (2.0 points).

It was 14th US chess title of Barbosa, playing under the banner of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.,following his triumps in the Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (April 9), Marshall CC Saturday Game 60, Marshall Chess Club, New York (April 11), Marshall CC Sunday Game 60, Marshall Chess Club, New York (April 12), 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight , New York, New York (April 16), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (April 23), 10th Bowyer Memorial GP , Atlantic Beach, New York (April 25), 10 Points Older Tonight, New York, New York (May 7), PCC 05109 Swiss in Forest Hills, New York (May 10), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (May 21), NY May Open, New York, New York (May 24), Polgar Chess May 2009 G90, Forest Hills, New York (May 26), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (May 28) and Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (June 11).

In his three-months campaign in the United States, Barbosa already beat in the likes of Israeli GM Leonid Yudasin and American GM Michael Rohde, among others.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.