Varadero to Host Historic All-Female Elite Group at Capablanca In Memoriam Tournament
For the second consecutive year, the resort of Varadero will host the Capablanca In Memoriam tournament. Once again, the Solymar Arenas Blancas and Meliá Internacional hotels will be the venues for the event, which this time brings several changes.

Historic Focus on Women's Chess
The main innovation is that, for the first time, the competition will be dedicated to women, as they will comprise the prestigious elite group.

"Historically, we have done it for men. This time, we want to promote chess among women," Wilfredo Toledo, head of the national technical commission, told Granma.

"We are also doing it as a tribute, being an Olympic year, since they were the protagonists of the best performance in that event," he emphasized.

Structure of the Inaugural Women's Elite Group
The new section, in its debut, is projected to be played with 10 chess players. "We would have the five best players in the country, as preparation for the Olympiad, and other international players. In this case, we intend for them to be from the continent or Europe, and to have a good ELO performance," he explained.

Regarding possible confirmed names, the official stated that none exist yet, nor can they be revealed until officially announced, although conversations are ongoing with several players.

Other Tournaments and Schedule Change
The other tournaments will maintain their usual format, including the Open, which will raise its level by hosting members of the national male elite team.

Youth competitions will again be prominent. The Soñando a Capablanca tournament and training camps will host the best talents in the country and foreign guests. Similarly, senior category players will see action during those dates.

Schedule Shift for Continental Alignment
The oldest tournament in Ibero-America has moved on the calendar. Accustomed to being held in May, this time it will take place from April 22 to May 3.

"The schedule change was made so that the Capablanca does not coincide with continental events, which usually take place around those dates," he concluded.