Havana, January 11 (JIT) - Chess Grandmaster Carlos Daniel Albornoz keeps ambitious goals on his horizon, such as the reconquest of the throne during the upcoming national championship to be held in Holguin in early February.

The classic will once again mark the starting point, this time with the incentive that the winner will secure a place in the team that will participate in the Chess Olympiad in Budapest 2024.

The Camagüey native, who has just turned 23 years old, two national crowns (2019 and 2020) and a coefficient of 2,603 Elo points, attracts the attention of the followers of the Science Game on the island.

He maintains a special ability to perform in tactical positions, in which the calculation of moves prevails over other details. He has also gained in knowledge when the positions demand a calmer approach, without direct attacks on the king.

Several specialists ponder this evolution as an example of maturity to face the most dissimilar situations, with greater dominance in endgames. Undoubtedly, this is the best symptom of consolidation that can be perceived.

The current leader of the national ranking, for the second time in his career with an Elo above 2,600 units, agreed to talk to JIT about his immediate plans and other details.

You closed a very good year in terms of Elo and victories in international tournaments, including two in the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games of San Salvador 2023. What do you expect from the new season?

It will be quite strong, especially from the mental point of view, because of what it represents to be again in the 2,600 and the idea of staying above that figure and increase it.

Although I don't focus directly on that goal, I value it to improve my level in general. That will bring a good result. Correcting every weakness in my game will contribute to a much more stable overall performance and that is the idea.

The national tournament will come with the double challenge of not losing Elo and regaining the crown. What has been the focus of your preparation?

I do it as I do every year. It is a very demanding tournament with rivals that we know. That makes it more difficult than other events. Of course, the goal is to win the crown.

Does the Olympiad give you more incentive?

Representing the country always does, and securing a spot on the team by winning the national championship increases expectations. If this goal is achieved, I will look for a better performance than in the previous Olympiad, which I consider was good with 6.5 points out of a possible 10 on the second board.

Moving up in the world ranking appears as another objective. Is there a specific approach to achieve it?

It is clear to me that the result is directly proportional to the work. Therefore, more study and more hours dedicated to chess will contribute to that purpose. That is what I continue to put all my efforts into.

However, that work is not focused on a specific tournament. It is a cumulative work that sometimes is not reflected with a good performance in the immediate. Often the fruits are reaped in the long term.

What is missing for the consolidation in the elite?

I must look for more high-level tournaments, although that does not always guarantee it. Undoubtedly it is essential to raise the level of play and not drop below 2,600.

I must also have the best conditions to prepare myself, especially in terms of technology and internet connection. A certain speed is required to play online tournaments, which is an important part of any chess player's training.

What would be the most motivating achievable dream?

No doubt reaching 2,700... It takes a lot of hard work, but it is achievable. Many factors must also come together, but none more important than the will to pursue that goal. And that always accompanies me.