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Florencio CampomanesFilipino chess player
Date of Birth: 22.02.1927
Country:  Philippines |
Content:
- Filipino Chess Legend: Florencio Campomanes
- Chess Career
- Presidency of FIDE
- Post-Presidential Years
- Legacy and Death
Filipino Chess Legend: Florencio Campomanes
Early Life and EducationFlorencio Campomanes, born in 1927, was a Filipino chess master and administrator who served as the President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) from 1982 to 1995. In 1950, he became the Philippines' first national chess master. After graduating from the University of the Philippines in 1948, Campomanes earned another degree from Brown University in the United States.
Chess Career
Campomanes won the Philippines Chess Championship in 1956 and 1960. He also competed in five Chess Olympiads, representing his country. From 1956 to 1982, he served as the Philippines' permanent delegate to FIDE. He became the President of FIDE's Asian Zone from 1966 to 1970, followed by Vice-President for Asia from 1974 to 1982. In 1978, Campomanes played a crucial role in organizing the World Chess Championship match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi in Baguio, thanks to his friendship with Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Presidency of FIDE
In 1982, Campomanes was elected President of FIDE, defeating Fridrik Olafsson and Bozidar Kazic. One of his most controversial decisions was to terminate the 1984 World Championship match between Karpov and Garry Kasparov.
Post-Presidential Years
After stepping down as FIDE President, Campomanes was succeeded by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and remained as Honorary President. However, in 2003, he was convicted of embezzlement related to the 1992 Olympiad in Manila. The conviction was later overturned, as Campomanes was found to be representing an international organization and not subject to Philippine financial disclosure laws.
Legacy and Death
In 2007, Campomanes was involved in a car accident and spent time in intensive care. He sadly passed away in Baguio on May 3, 2010. Florencio Campomanes is remembered as a significant figure in the world of chess, both as a skilled player and as an influential administrator who left behind a lasting legacy.
