The leading figure in Cuban chess, Grandmaster Carlos Daniel Albornoz, has opted to sever ties with Cuba's national team. Holding an ELO rating of 2,577, Albornoz's decision impacts the quality of the team set to compete in the World Chess Olympiad scheduled from September 4 to 17 in Uzbekistan.
This development was confirmed by the official newspaper Granma, which referenced statements from Wilfredo Toledo, head of the national technical commission. The report noted that the Camagüey native not only declined to join the Olympic roster but also withdrew from upcoming tournaments, slated to begin in less than two weeks, and officially requested his release from the Cuban team. The state-run media did not specify the reasons behind the chess player's decision.
Albornoz, a two-time national champion frequently seen on the podium of domestic championships, will turn 26 in September. He was viewed as the main hope for Cuban chess following the departure of historical figures like Lenier Domínguez and Lázaro Bruzón, who pursued their careers outside of Havana's sports authorities' control.
The official press acknowledged that Albornoz's exit is a "severe blow" to the team attending the Olympiad, especially since Cuba has been delivering modest results in such events. In the previous edition held in Budapest, Hungary, the Cuban teams finished 46th in the open tournament and 55th in the women's category, falling short of the nation's historical goals.
In the men's division, Cuba was outperformed by other Latin American teams such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, with Chile also surpassing the Cuban squad. Meanwhile, Lenier Domínguez, now representing the United States, secured second place with his team, only behind India, highlighting the impact of talent drain in Cuban chess.
With Albornoz's departure, the outlook for the Olympiad becomes even more challenging. Players aiming for the national title and a spot on the team this year include Jorge Elías (ELO 2,493) and Dylan Berdayes (2,464), champion and runner-up in 2025, respectively, according to Diario de Cuba.
Returning players also include Omar Almeida (2,463) and Elier Miranda (2,449), who were absent in the previous edition, alongside Lelys Martínez (2,441), Ermes Espinosa (2,461), and Michel Díaz (2,440), highlighted as potential podium contenders.
Currently, the National Men's Championship is set to be contested in Camagüey, while Pinar del Río will host the women's event.
Carlos Daniel Albornoz's withdrawal adds to a growing list of high-level athletes leaving the Cuban sports system, underscoring the structural decline of a chess scene that once stood as a global benchmark but now faces one of its most challenging periods.
Impact of Carlos Daniel Albornoz's Departure from Cuban Chess
What is the significance of Carlos Daniel Albornoz leaving the Cuban national chess team?
Albornoz's exit is a significant setback for the Cuban chess team as he was the top-ranked player and a key asset for international competitions, such as the World Chess Olympiad.
How does Albornoz's decision affect the Cuban chess team's prospects at the Olympiad?
His withdrawal further weakens the team, which already struggled in previous Olympiads, and places additional pressure on other players to step up and fill the void.
Who are the potential contenders to replace Albornoz in the Cuban national chess team?
Potential players include Jorge Elías, Dylan Berdayes, Omar Almeida, Elier Miranda, Lelys Martínez, Ermes Espinosa, and Michel Díaz, all of whom are vying for positions on the team.