Havana, May 3 (JIT).- The fight between the Ukrainian former world champion Ruslan Ponomariov (2,646 Elo points) and the Norwegian Evgeny Romanov (2,585) in the elite group, ranks among the most interesting of the first date of the 57th International Chess Tournament Capablanca in Memoriam 2024, which was officially inaugurated on Thursday at the Habana Libre hotel.

The initial duels agreed for this Friday emerged from the draw held as part of the opening ceremony, which was attended by the head of the Cuban Olympic Committee, Roberto León Richards, and Ariel Sainz, vice president of Inder.

The program also includes the crosses between the Indian Aryan Chopra (2,641) and the Cuban Carlos Daniel Albornoz (2,610), and the Dane Mads Andersen (2,598) with the current champion of the Island, Luis Ernesto Quesada ( 2 thousand 567), with the first in command of the white pieces.

When welcoming the participants, Carlos Rivero, president of the Cuban Chess Federation, expressed the satisfaction of being able to bring together outstanding chess players from 27 nations in the Cuban capital.

The manager especially highlighted the participation of Ponomariov, recognized with a round of applause from those present at the event.

"Undoubtedly, it will give a touch of greater excitement and competitive quality to the tournament," he said about the exponent with the highest coefficient among the six grandmasters who will animate the main segment.

The national commissioner of the Science Game also referred to the good level expected in the open group and highlighted the parallel celebration of the children's and youth contest Looking for a Capablanca, as well as the senior continental competition with two categories from 50 years of age .

«This tournament is not just competition. It is also a celebration of the diversity and passion that chess awakens in people of all ages. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, forge friendships and, above all, enjoy the noble game that unites us," added Rivero.

  «We want it to be a memorable party for everyone, for each game to reflect the struggle between the players, their dedication and love for this ancient game. And that in the end we all take away enriching experiences," he said.

On behalf of the local federation and all those who have participated in the organization of the contest, he wished the contestants success and joy in every movement.

"May the magic of chess envelop us all and inspire us to reach new heights," he said.

The evening celebrated the cancellation of a commemorative postal edition for the 130th anniversary of the birth of José Raúl Capablanca, the third world champion in history and the only Latin American with that condition.