IM Oliver Barbosa 20th US title

IM Oliver Barbosa is enjoying a reasonably good tournaments in the US since he left the country about half a year ago. I wasn't sure if he returns to the country in between tournaments but anyway, winning 20 tourneys, most of them with the participation of many veteran US (expats, mostly) grandmasters...I'll give him two thumbs up. He is suppose to be back next month, perhaps momentarily, before leaving for the US of A again? And why he should not? Apples are there.

FILIPINO International Master Oliver Barbosa scored back to back victories to claim his total 20^th US Chess title in his four months campaign.

Barbosa, who hails from Taytay, Rizal and backed up by NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., and New York Immigration lawyer Geronimo “Gerry” Albano won the Original 4 Rated Games Tonight last August 13 and the August St. John’s Masters last August 18, both held in Big Apple.

In the Original 4 Rated Games Tonight, the former University of the Philippines’ (UP) former Board 1 player defeated American GM Michael Rohde in the final round to finish perfect 4.0 points. In the August St. John’s Masters, Barbosa ended his game again to GM Rohde in a fighting draw to scored 3.0 points in four outings and create a six-way tie for first that includes GM Rohde, GM Leonid Yudasin, IMs Mackenzie Molner, Justin Sarkar and Raymond Kaufman.

According to reigning Philippine Artists Champion Albert Rivera, spokesman of Barbosa, said that his friend (Oliver Barbosa) will arrive the country next month. MARLON BERNARDINO.

Writer's note: article sent to us through email by NM Marlon Bernardino himself.