Barbosa rules nat’l rapid chess despite loss to Paragua

MANILA—International master Oliver Barbosa captured the 2011 AFPI National Rapid chess championship Sunday despite losing his final-round match against Grandmaster Mark Paragua.

Barbosa clinched the title as early as the penultimate round of the competition organized and sponsored by Artillery Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (AFPI) by winning eight straight games.

Barbosa collected P20,000 while Paragua finished in a three-way tie with fellow GM Darrwin Laylo and IM Chito Garma with 7.5 points.

All three received P10,665 apiece.

Barbosa also earned a spot in the Philippines’ rapid chess team competing in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.

AFPI officials, led by chair Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, vice president Gen. Romeo Fajardo, executive director Col. Pedro Biasbas and GM Eugene Torre awarded the prizes to the winners.

In the women’s division, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia won her final-round game against WNM Janelle Mae Frayna to tie WIM Catherine Perena for first place.

Perena was held to a draw by WFM Marie Antoniette San Diego.

Rounding out the top 10, Open—GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr., FM Deniel Causo (7 points); IM Rolando Nolte, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, IM Barlo Nadera (6.5); FMr Fernie Donguines, IM Oliver Dimakiling (6.0).