The 56th edition of Capablanca in Memoriam International Chess Tournament It will have its official inauguration this Tuesday at the Habana Libre hotel, also the scene these days of the women’s continental contest, which will have an unprecedented registration number according to its organizers.
The novelty was confirmed by the Cuban Federation of Chess (FCA), the entity in charge of the organization of both contests that will feature on the same stage during the two upcoming editions, according to a note published by the sports portal Hit.
The Tryp Habana Libre hotel will host the famous “Capablanca In Memóriam” International Chess Tournament for the next 2 years. Find out more details on our blog! https://t.co/yCvPv7i6oJ #MeliaCuba pic.twitter.com/OWPGRgeKUk
— Melia Cuba (@MeliaCuba) April 28, 2023
The actions of Capablanca will begin on the 3rd. The presence of 10 grandmasters in its main section was confirmed, which will reach category XIV due to its average of 2,581 Elo points, boosted mainly by the assistance of four men with more than 2,600 units in the most recent update of ranking of the International Chess Federation (Fide).
The Spaniard of Venezuelan origin Eduardo Iturrizaga appears as the one with the highest coefficient, with 2,637 points, and is followed by the Indian Raunak Sadhwani with 2,627, the publication specifies.
The five foreign guests of the group will be accompanied by an equal number of Cubans, headed by the current national champion, Elier Miranda (2515). Together with Villa Clara, the best four of the ranking local: Carlos Daniel Albornoz (2586), Luis Ernesto Quesada (2562), Lelys Martínez (2531) and Omar Almeida (2526).
Elite group of the 56th Capablanca In Memoriam International Tournament announced
Another 85 players with international titles will animate the open segment, while the senior section will bring together 40 contestants over 60 years of age.
«It is the largest participation we have had in the open and senior groups, which we are now calling for the second time. We are also going to have record numbers in the children’s event, with more than 230 registered right now,” Carlos Rivero, president of the FCA, assured the media.
The three fights will be played by the Swiss System, while in the call for the Finding Capablanca joust for children’s players, different age categories will be established.
The organizers also announced that the greatest chess festival in Cuba will include the usual collateral activities such as book and magazine presentations, the traditional pilgrimage to the tomb of Jose Raul Capablanca in the Colón Necropolis; and others related to the visit of the Panamanian José Carrillo, president of Fide América.
A new champion will emerge from the new edition of the fair, since the American Hans Niemman, winner of the 2022 elite group with an accumulated 7.5 units, will now be absent.
The Capablanca In Memoriam is held annually in honor of the Cuban Grand Master José Raúl Capablanca Graupera, world champion between 1921 and 1927, and considered one of the greatest geniuses of the Science Game thanks to his particular style.
According to scholars, Capablanca accumulated a total of 302 wins, 246 draws and 35 losses in his career. His legacy is recognized by the best players of later generations.
women to the board
Regarding the Women’s Continental Championship of the Americas, for the first time based in Cuba, it turned out that up to now there are 72 contestants listed.
This joust will also go down in history as the only one so far with a rapid and blitz event on its program.
According to Hit, the classic duels will take place from May 7 to 12 in nine rounds, some scheduled in double session days. The actions will begin with the Blitz modality on May 6. The rapid tournament is agreed for days 8, 10 and 12, alternating prominence with the classic games.
