Cuban Chess Players Defend Several Countries. Leinier Domínguez Draws in Fourth Round and Remains Unbeaten

September 15, 2024

Leinier Domínguez and Jennifer UNBEATEN, Zenia and Tania Won with Mexico, CUBAN DUEL at 2024 Chess Olympiad

For the fifth round of the 2024 Chess Olympiad, several Cuban chess players must play again in defense of different countries.

This Saturday the 2024 Chess Olympiad continued in Budapest, capital of Hungary. The fourth round of the tournament was played and several Cuban chess players took to the board representing different countries. The best performances were by Roberto García Pantoja (Colombia) and Mariano Ortega (Cape Verde) in the men's section, winning their respective games. The same was done by Zenia Corrales and Tania Miranda, both with Mexico.

The outstanding GM Leinier Domínguez (2748, 2.5 points out of 3.0 possible) could not maintain his winning streak and drew his game of the round. His opponent was the renowned Ukrainian GM Ruslan Ponomariov (2654) and both agreed to a draw in 30 moves of a Giuoco Piano Opening. By the way, Ukraine broke Team USA's unbeaten streak and defeated them 2.5-1.5, thanks to success on the fourth board by GM Anton Korobov (2650) over GM Ray Robson (2700)

There were Cuban duels on the first board of the match between Paraguay and Panama. GM Neuris Delgado (2484, 3.0/4.0) faced off against IM Roberto Carlos Sánchez (2376, 2.5/3.0) and the game ended in a draw. This came after 59 moves of a Sicilian Defense. The Paraguayans won the duel 2.5-1.5

You might be interested in: Jennifer Pérez at 3-3, 3 More WON, Pantoja Challenged Carlsen, Leinier Rested. Cubans with Other Countries at 2024 Chess Olympiad

GM Roberto García Pantoja (2550, 2.0/4.0) returned to the winning path in Colombia's 4-0 sweep over Zimbabwe. The Cuban defeated IM Farai Mandizha (2371) in a long game that extended to 100 moves after a Queen's Pawn Opening.

Also coming out with flying colors was IM Mariano Ortega (2453, 2.0/4.0), also in his team Cape Verde's 4-0 sweep over Eritrea. The victory came against Asante Debesai (1908) in just 23 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

For his part, MF Guillermo Queipo (2218) has yet to make his debut with Antigua and Barbuda. His team defeated Grenada 3-1 but the Cuban has not yet seen action.

Leinier Domínguez

The outstanding GM Leinier Domínguez (2748, 2.5 points out of 3.0 possible) could not maintain his winning streak among Cubans and drew his game of the round.

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Jennifer Pérez Remained Unbeaten with Paraguay, Tania and Zenia Won for Mexico

In the women's tournament, the stellar WGM Jennifer Pérez (2224, 3.5/4.0) maintained her unbeaten record in the competition. Although she could not win, she achieved solid draws against a high-level opponent. Playing on the first board, the Cuban drew with WGM Zuzana Cibickova (2205) in just 17 moves of a Scottish Opening. Paraguay tied 2-2 the match against Slovenia and continues among the best teams of the Olympiad.

Finally, Mexico swept 4-0 with Malta and the Cuban chess players were part of the success. On the first board of the Cuban participants, WIM Zenia Corrales (2170, 1.5/3.0) defeated Elena Mazkevich (1817) in 42 moves of a Pirc Defense. For her part, WIM Tania Miranda (2090, 2.5/4.0) surpassed WFM Filipina Thornton (1768) on the second board, after 72 moves of a Nimzoindian Defense.

For the fifth round of the 2024 Chess Olympiad, several Cuban chess players must play again in defense of different countries.