Héctor Manuel Figueroa del Rosario, an 11-year-old chess prodigy from Camajuaní, Villa Clara, emerged victorious in the Under-12 category at the XVIII Open Internacional de Ajedrez Memorial Pedro Lezcano Montalvo. This prestigious event took place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, from March 28 to April 5, 2026.
According to CMHW, the tournament, held at the Círculo Mercantil de Las Palmas, followed a nine-round Swiss system and featured 162 competitors, including several players with international titles.
Figueroa del Rosario concluded the tournament with 4.5 points out of a possible nine, achieving four wins, four losses, and one draw. Additionally, he earned the award for Best FIDE Elo in the 1700-1601 range.
The young talent from Camajuaní entered the tournament with an Elo rating of 1,640 and gained an impressive 120 points by its conclusion, marking a significant leap for someone of his age and experience level.
It was his first official competition on Spanish soil, and he advanced to the final round after defeating David Blanco, Miguel Oramas, and Marcos Jesús Quintero in the initial rounds.
Impressive Weekend for Cuban Chess Abroad
This achievement was part of a remarkable weekend for Cuban chess players internationally. In the Open de La Roda, held in Albacete and also concluding on April 5, Grandmaster Carlos Daniel Albornoz claimed the championship. This 52nd edition of the tournament set a record with 215 participants from 22 countries, as reported by La Roda.
Albornoz, hailing from Camagüey and carrying an Elo of 2,579, successfully defended his title from the 2025 edition. In the same tournament, FIDE Master Jorge de Jesús Pérez Marimón from Santa Clara secured 25th place with six points, while young Alex Herrera Pedroso from Remedios ended in 122nd place, adding 17 points to his Elo of 2,159.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, Grandmaster Elier Miranda Mesa from Caibarién achieved third place in the Querétaro Open with 6.5 points, following a draw in the final round against Peruvian José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara, who clinched first place.
Future Stars and Challenges for Cuban Chess
The performances of these players were documented by Osmany Pedraza Ledón, a coach and referee. Figueroa del Rosario's success is particularly significant during a transitional period for Cuban chess. In January 2026, Albornoz, the country's top active player, requested to leave the national team, dealing a substantial blow to Cuba's prospects for the World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, scheduled for September 2026.
In this context, the emergence of an 11-year-old talent who can excel in an international tournament with 162 participants is a beacon of hope for the future of Cuban chess, highlighting the urgent need for new talent.
Insights into Cuban Chess Achievements and Future Prospects
Who is Héctor Manuel Figueroa del Rosario?
Héctor Manuel Figueroa del Rosario is an 11-year-old chess prodigy from Camajuaní, Villa Clara, Cuba, who won the Under-12 category at the XVIII Open Internacional de Ajedrez Memorial Pedro Lezcano Montalvo in Spain.
What was significant about Carlos Daniel Albornoz's performance?
Carlos Daniel Albornoz, a Grandmaster from Camagüey, won the Open de La Roda for the second consecutive year, setting a new record with 215 participants from 22 countries.
Why is Figueroa del Rosario's victory important for Cuban chess?
His victory is crucial as it signals the emergence of new talent at a time when Cuban chess is experiencing a transition, especially after the departure of its top player, Carlos Daniel Albornoz, from the national team.