Barcenilla is RP’s 11th grandmaster
06/04/2009 05:42 PM
MANILA, Philippines – International master Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. became the country’s 11th grandmaster after bagging his third and final GM norm.
Barcenilla’s victory over Georgian GM Zviad Izoria in the Copper State International Chess Championship last May 29 to June 3 in Mesa, Arizona, gave the Filipino his much-coveted GM title.
According to the United States Chess Federation, the former San Sebastian College mainstay defeated Izoria after 31 moves of a King’s Indian Defense.
Barcenilla, currently based on Mandaluyong but originally from Iligan City, finished just a point behind eventual winner Uzbek GM Timur Gareev, who accumulated 8.0 points in the 10-round event.
With his GM norm completed, Barcenilla joins an elite group composed of Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano II, Mark Paragua, Wesley So, Darwin Laylo, Jayson Gonzales, John Paul Gomez, Joseph Sanchez and the late Rosendo Balinas Jr.
Torre was actually Asia’s first grandmaster. – GMANews.TV
This is great. He’s a nice guy.
Long overdue and justly deserved for Barcenilla who was already playing at GM strength during the reign of Campo and his cohort Casto Abundo.
Banjo finally triumphed over Campo’s and Abundo’s snub when they blocked his FIDE GM approval during the early 2000s.
And what did Barcenilla do? He played for the Philippine Chess Federation team under the leadership of Pres. Art Borjal, Campo’s main opposition at the time.
Justice and talent finally prevailed for Barcenilla, one of the many young Philippine chess talents during Campo’s infamous reign.
‘Banjo finally triumphed over Campo’s and Abundo’s snub when they blocked his FIDE GM approval during the early 2000s.’
Let’s sue Abundo and Campo for this almost criminal activity? Maybe we can get some money, because we can win the case for sure.
No need.
Campo is a convicted felon already for the missing 12 million pesos.
And besides his guilty verdict will be overturned anyways because, as the honorary fide presidente, he is above the law.
Sorry to disappoint you.