International Master André Sousa (Vitória SC) has retained his national crown, winning the 2025/26 Portuguese Absolute Chess Championship held at the TecMaia facility in Maia.
At just 27 years old, this victory marks Sousa’s seventh national absolute title in ten appearances—a remarkable feat that consolidates his in Portuguese chess history. He now trails only grandmasters António Fernandes (16 titles) and Joaquim Durão (13 titles) as the third most decorated champion in the nation’s history.
Sousa completed the 9-round tournament undefeated with 6.5/9 points (4 wins, 5 draws). He tied on points with his Vitória SC teammate, José Bárria (5 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss), but claimed the national title on the direct encounter tiebreak criterion.
The championship outcome hinged on the final two rounds, where Sousa delivered back-to-back victories over Bárria in round 8 and FIDE Master David Farias in the ninth and final round.
Completing a clean sweep of the podium for Vitória SC, FM Pedro Gil Silva took 3rd on tiebreaks with 5.0 points, edging out FM David Farias (CX Colégio Português).
Final Standings:
1st IM André Sousa – 6.5/9 pts (Winner on Direct Encounter)
2nd IM José Bárria – 6.5/9 pts
3rd FM Pedro Gil Silva – 5.0/9 pts
4th FM David Farias – 5.0/9 pts
5th FM Matviy Faryma – 4.5/9 pts
6th GM António Fernandes – 4.5/9 pts
7th NM Luís Pedro Ferreira – 4.0/9 pts
8th NM Paulo Monteiro – 3.5/9 pts
9th FM Maksym Faryma – 3.0/9 pts
10th FM Samuel Gonçalves – 2.5/9 pts
