2019 Open. Photo: Calixto N. Llanes (Taken from JIT)

Havana, February 23 (RHC)-- While waiting for the confirmation of the lists of Cuban chess players for the upcoming International Capablanca in Memoriam Tournament, scheduled for April 18-28, other international guests have already been added.

Sources of the Cuban Chess Federation announced that the American Samuel Ter-Sahakyan will be in the elite group, in which the presence of the Argentinean Sandro Mareco, the Indian Surya Ganguly and the also northern Hans Niemann had been previously disclosed.

Only one name remains to be included among the visitors, as the section will be made up of five locals and an equal number of foreigners.

A similar format will be shown in the premier section, called only for women, with the assured attendance of Peru's Deysi Cori, Argentina's Carolina Luján, Romania's Irina Bulmaga and Poland's Oliwia Kiolbasa.

The initiative of a group entirely with female contestants, besides resuming a practice that existed years ago in these events, is in line with the projection of the International Chess Federation (Fide), which named 2022 as the Year of Women and Chess.

Wilfredo Toledo, methodologist of the national commission, confirmed to JIT that in mid-March, after the end of the men's championship, the local lists will be disclosed.

The women have already had their elite competition, closed with the triumph of Yaniela Forgas from Santiago, one of those who will undoubtedly be among those chosen for the Premier.

The 55th edition of one of the most prestigious tournaments in America will be held this time at the Hotel Nacional and will also have a closed group named senior for players over 60 years old, in addition to the open I and the children's-school (U-12 and U-15 categories).

Collaterally, the usual scientific program will take place, with conferences dedicated mainly to chess from its educational and social projection.