Barbosa seeks another title

MANILA, Philippines - A dozen Filipino chessers led by reigning Parsvnath chess tournament champion Oliver Barbosa see action in the HDBank Cup International Open Chess tournament slated March 1-8 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“I hope to do well in the  event in Vietnam,” said Barbosa, who became the third Filipino super grandmaster after he improved his Elo rating points to 2627.

The former University of the Philippines (UP) mainstay arrived Wednesday with GM John Paul Gomez (second place) and GM Mark Paragua (fourth).

Joining Barbosa in the toiurnament which offers a top prize of $10,000 are Gomez, Paragua, IMs Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod and Emmanuel Senador, FM Christopher Castellano and US master Albert Rivera, among others.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Butch Pichay Jr., executive director Jayson Gonzales and treasurer Red Dumuk congratulated Barbosa, Gomez and Paragua for a 1-2-4 finish in Delhi.

 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).