International Master Acela de Arma finally lost her match against a painful illness

Havana, July 9 (RHC)-- Sadness in Cuban chess and sports left the death, in her native Santa Clara, of International Master Acela de Armas, who finally lost her match against a painful illness.

Acela was consecrated for the first time as national champion in 1971, two years later she began to link a chain of seven consecutive crowns and in total she won nine Cuban titles, a figure only surpassed by Maritza Arribas from Santiago de Cuba.

Her talent led her to become an almost unbeatable player, with important results inside and outside the country. In addition, she marked the beginning of a women's movement in chess that later bore fruit with the promotion of several grandmasters.

During her remarkable career she participated in four World Olympiads and beyond the boards, she always stood out for her simplicity. She was synonymous with champion in the 64-square universe on the island and earned the affection and respect of those who knew her.

"What a pain, with Acela a part of our lives is gone. That is how my generation feels it, and especially her Cuban team: Zirka, Maritza and me", commented GM Vivian Ramon, another of the essential players of the Cuban Game of Science, when she heard the news.

"Today Cuban Chess is in mourning. A tight hug in the distance to Yeni (Acela's daughter), her sisters and friends from Villa Clara", Vivian assured on the social network Facebook and regretted not being able to say goodbye to her as she deserves due to the current epidemiological situation of the country.

Acela will no longer be physically present, but her legacy will always transcend for being an example to be followed by the present and future generation of Cuban chess.

We send to her family and friends the condolences of the Cuban sports movement.