Guantanamo.- Guantanamo’s promising young chess players, Erick Angelo Ravelo Lobaina and Amelia Laurencio Pérez, have distinguished themselves at the Capablanca in Memoriam tournament held at Havana’s Hotel Nacional, cementing the province’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in Cuban youth chess.
Erick Angelo delivered an impeccable performance in the under-16 category, going undefeated through eight rounds with six wins and two draws.
His flawless campaign against some of the nation’s finest competitors marks a historic achievement for Guantanamo chess.
With this victory, Erick Angelo becomes the only Guantanamo player to have secured first place across three age groups—under-12, under-14, and under-16—at the Capablanca tournament, forging an impressive competitive legacy.
Meanwhile, Amelia Laurencio claimed the gold medal in the girls’ division, further underscoring the strength and depth of Guantanamo’s youth chess scene.
The event featured a total of 174 participants divided into three age categories: under-8 (21 players), under-12 (82 players), and under-16 (71 players).
The competition unfolded over eight Swiss-system rounds played in double sessions, with each game allowing 45 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment per move.
Players from across Cuba took part, with Camagüey, Villa Clara, and Havana provinces showing strong representation.
Since its inception in 2017, the Capablanca in Memoriam has become one of the most eagerly followed youth chess events in the country, showcasing emerging talents and fostering competitive excellence.
Guantanamo’s standout performance at this year’s edition not only highlights the hard work and dedication of its young athletes but also signals the province’s continued growth as a nurturing ground for future Cuban chess champions.
