Héctor Luis Fuentes (right) is one of the Holguin players seeking a spot in the 2026 National Chess Championship. Photo: Archive

Holguin players seek spots in National Chess Championships

Six players from Holguin, three of each gender, are participating in the zonal events in Las Tunas province. Where two spots in each category are up for grabs in the 2026 National Chess Championships (Open and Women’s).

Among the men, David Alejandro Calzadilla is in second place with five points out of a possible six. Just half a point behind the leader, FIDE Master Alfredo Aguilera from Las Tunas.

Slightly further behind is Héctor Luis Fuentes, the Cuban representative in the World Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities. Who now has 3.5 points and is in sixth place, after applying the tie-breaking system.

FIDE Master Manuel Darío Ochoa is currently in ninth place with 2.5 points and will need a positive performance. In the remaining five rounds if he hopes to qualify for the national finals in Camagüey next year.

Among the women, Holguin’s top performer is this year’s finalist, Dairenis Guerrero. Along with two other players, has 3.5 points and is tied for second place.

Holguin players seek spots in National Chess Championships 0
Dairenis Guerrero (right) participated in this year’s final of the National Women’s Chess Championship. Photo: Archive
Further down the leaderboard are Evelitce Salazar and Lianet Aguilera. Both with 1.5 points, in seventh and eighth place, respectively.

The Eastern Zone Chess Tournaments are being held in the province of Las Tunas. After eleven rounds for the men and nine for the women. Also the two representatives for each gender will be determined for the open and women’s finals. Which will take place in Camagüey and Pinar del Rio, respectively.