The Sports Councilor, Francisco Villaescusa, has highlighted the significant growth and 'extraordinary health' of chess in Albacete, especially since Facundo Castelli took over as president of the Castilla-La Mancha Chess Federation. This statement was made during the presentation of the Spanish Rapid Team Chess Championship, scheduled for the 11th and 12th of October at the Centro Ágora.
Villaescusa acknowledged the positive impact that the event will have on the city, projecting Albacete's image nationally through sports and solidifying its status as a venue for major sporting events. He emphasized the collaboration between various administrations and federations that has made it possible for Albacete to host a national sports competition again.
The championship will be played using a Swiss system applied to teams over eight rounds, with matches viewable on a giant screen to facilitate public engagement. Villaescusa noted the various championships held in recent years and the ongoing presence of local, provincial, regional, and national tournaments in the city.
He also mentioned initiatives aimed at bringing chess closer to the community, such as rapid games held in the porticoes of the City Hall and in the Jardinillos, praising the daily efforts of the Federation to promote the sport among Albacete residents.
Joined by Facundo Castello, president of the Castilla-La Mancha Chess Federation, and Daniel Sancha, provincial deputy for sports, Villaescusa reiterated the importance of collaboration among different entities to host a national-level competition in Albacete.
According to Villaescusa, the Centro Ágora 'meets the necessary conditions' for hosting such an event, highlighting the advantage of having matches projected on a giant screen for public viewing. He expressed gratitude to the Spanish Chess Federation and the Castilla-La Mancha Chess Federation for their commitment to Albacete, stating that the championship will once again showcase the city on a national level through sports, particularly chess.
The Spanish Rapid Team Chess Championship is organized by the Spanish Chess Federation in collaboration with the Castilla-La Mancha Chess Federation, with sponsorship from the Albacete City Council and the Provincial Council, in partnership with the Municipal Sports Institute (IMD). The competition will utilize a Swiss system applied to teams, with each team consisting of four players. Scoring will be based on match outcomes, with total points from the players serving as the first tiebreaker.
This event will see participation from 50 teams, comprising around 300 players from various parts of Spain, including 3 grandmasters, one of whom is the reigning Spanish champion, 11 international masters, and 28 FIDE masters, making Albacete a focal point for some of the country's leading chess clubs and enthusiasts during this period.
