With six contestants installed at the top, owners of identical accumulated 1.5 points, the third date of the Men’s National Chess Championship will be played today, in the city of Santa Clara.
Isán Ortiz, from Holguin, the only winner of the second date by beating Michel Díaz from Las Tunas, is one of those who leads the contest and will now be the opponent of the host Elier Miranda, according to data from the contest’s website.
Elier is also another member of the group of leaders, as well as Yasser Quesada and Ermes Espinosa from Villa Clara, Arnaldo Fernández from Holguín and Luis Ernesto Quesada from Avila.
The latter has to face today with black pieces Carlos Daniel Albornoz from Camagüey, champion of the last two editions of these events, but who has had a discreet start now with a defeat and a draw signing.
In duel of leaders will be Yasser and Ermes, with the first of them defending the white pieces, and Arnaldo will compete with Henry Soto, from Mayabeque, one of those who is “delayed” with just half a line.
Lelys Martínez (0.5 points) from Santiago will complete this day’s matches against Yuri González (1) from the capital, and Omar Almeida (0.5) from Havana against Michel (0).
The appointment, which is played at the GM Guillermo García Chess Palace, will have shares until the next day 15 and the winner will secure a direct position in the team that will attend the next Olympiad.