India's Muthaiah takes command in the Ciudad de Pontevedra marathon, a tournament where passion unites players aged 7 to 81

Surviving the double-round day of an international chess tournament demands both talent on the board and enormous physical and mental endurance. The XIV International Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra experienced its traditional and feared Saturday marathon today at the University Sports Pavilion, a decisive filter that has already begun to shape the firm candidates for the title in the city of the Lérez.

After more than eight hours of intense play between morning and afternoon, the demanding Masters Group has produced a standout leader. Indian International Master Muthaiah AL has achieved the feat of reaching 3.0 points after a brilliant win over Spain's Ingunza in the third round. Tomorrow, Sunday, in the fourth round, Muthaiah will defend his lead on board 1, playing Black against Cuban Grandmaster Jorge Roberto Elías Reyes, who lurks just behind with 2.5 points.

Galician chess is still buzzing with the superb performance of FIDE Master Diego Cacheiro Blanco. Established as the best local player in the tournament, Cacheiro has 2.5 points and has rightfully earned a spot on board 5 for the fourth round, where he will face the very young Brazilian FIDE Master Mathias Andre Casalaspro. The Galician is showing extraordinary form, holding his own against the international elite.

The unstoppable female talent of the Indian delegation

The large Asian contingent competing these days in Pontevedra continues to be one of the sensations of the event, especially due to the masterful level of its young female players. Women's FIDE Master (WFM) Niharika Challa has dazzled, reaching 2.5 points after a commendable draw in the third round against experienced Hungarian Grandmaster Robert Ruck. Tomorrow, on board 7, she faces a true trial by fire against Greek International Master Panagiotis Christodoulou.

Not far behind is the very young Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Modipalli Deekshitha. After a spectacular draw against Christodoulou on board 4 this afternoon, she also reaches 2.5 points and will face Greek International Master Georgios Gkoumas tomorrow on board 8. Her strategic maturity, well beyond her years, is captivating the fans following the tournament via the global broadcast.

A sport without barriers: 74 years apart across the same board

Beyond the high-level competition and the tension of the top boards, the Ciudad de Pontevedra continues to deliver images that explain the greatness and social values of this sport. True to its philosophy of full inclusion and intergenerational coexistence, the tournament welcomes participants aged 7 to 81.

Today, the cameras and the spectators' eyes were drawn to this beautiful contrast. On one side, the unquenchable passion of 81-year-old veteran player Luis Núñez from Vigo, an absolute example of unconditional love for the 64 squares. On the other, the tenderness, concentration, and excitement of the very young Portuguese player María Francisca Fonseca, who, at just 7 years old, already faces the pressure of the clock and the rigors of official competition. Seventy-four years of age difference that vanish the moment the clock starts ticking, proving that in chess the only barrier is ingenuity.

Fierce battle in the Amateur Group

Group B (Amateur) is no less demanding. After the grueling double round, a large group of players co-leads the category after achieving a perfect score. These undefeated players with 3 points are Spain's Rafael Montero, Alexandre Rodríguez, Fulgencio Gómez, Ricardo Oubiña, Xacobe Torres, Hugo Souto, Noel Leis, Irene Diz, Mauro Castro, César Oubiña, and Iker Liébana, alongside Portugal's Bernardo Beijoco and Tomás Almeida. All of them will face do-or-die battles tomorrow on the top boards of the university venue.

Tomorrow, Sunday July 26, the competition returns to its single-round format. Admission to the University Sports Pavilion remains completely free for the public wishing to experience Galicia's greatest chess spectacle up close.

The clocks will start ticking again at 16:30 on Sunday the 26th. The games can be followed live at the Pontevedra University Sports Pavilion or through our live games section.