Hugo Pérez Solana steals the spotlight on the opening day of the XIV International Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra

The XIV International Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra kicked off this Friday with a first round marked by a great chess atmosphere and top-level participation. Last-minute withdrawals, including that of the Iranian number one seed, prevented the organization from surpassing its own record of 257 players set in the previous edition. Even so, 239 players from 20 nationalities turn Pontevedra into one of the major centers of international chess throughout the week. The entry list features 50 titled players —grandmasters, international masters, and FIDE masters—, consolidating the tournament organized by Escola Xadrez Pontevedra as one of the most prestigious events on the Spanish calendar.

The spotlight of the opening round fell on the clash between two generations of Spanish chess. The recent Spanish U-11 and U-12 champion, Hugo Pérez Solana, faced a baptism of fire against International Master Sabrina Vega, nine-time Spanish absolute champion and one of the leading figures of national chess.

The game drew huge interest among fans. Youthful boldness against seasoned experience. Beyond the result, the encounter symbolized the generational shift taking place in Spanish chess and gave Hugo an exceptional opportunity to test himself from the very first round against one of the most decorated players in recent Spanish chess history. Sabrina won in 31 moves.

Chess for everyone

Once again, the ONCE delegation held a prominent place in the tournament, reaffirming the organization's commitment to chess open to all. Among its representatives is the reigning Spanish youth ONCE champion, Aarón San Juan, a prime example of the outstanding competitive level that visually impaired chess players possess and of chess's ability to break down barriers.

Inclusion and equality are part of Escola Xadrez Pontevedra's DNA. The organizing body has made these values one of its main hallmarks, championing the full inclusion of visually impaired players, intergenerational coexistence —with participants ranging from 7 to 81 years old— and the promotion of women's chess. The presence of a role model like Sabrina Vega and the steady growth in female participation in the tournament's side events reflect that commitment to an increasingly diverse and equal sport.

With a top-class lineup, young talents ready to challenge the elite, and an organizational model that combines sporting excellence with social values, the XIV International Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra has begun by living up to expectations and promises an intense week of chess in the city of the Lérez.

Online chess platforms such as lichess.org, chess.com, sichess.com, and playchess.com, major international references, along with specialized websites and social media, are providing detailed coverage of the tournament. This reach allows fans, coaches, and players from all over the world to follow the competition live, increasing Pontevedra's visibility and reinforcing the prestige of an event that strengthens its international dimension year after year.

You can also follow the games live on our live games section.

Rounds 2 and 3

Tomorrow will be a particularly demanding day, as participants will face a double round —a format that tests not only playing strength, but also physical endurance, concentration, and the ability to recover between games.

The clocks will start ticking again at 9:30 on Saturday the 25th. The games can be followed live at the Pabellón Universitario de Pontevedra or through our live games section.