Leaders Step on the Gas at the Carlos Torre Chess Tournament

Dylan Berdayes and Lelys Martínez maintained the leading pace for the Cuban federation after six rounds of the Master group at the Carlos Torre In Memoriam International Chess Tournament, which is now topped by Cuban-Mexican player Luis Ernesto Quesada.

For Dylan, this year’s national runner-up who began Wednesday among the leaders, the day was defined by two draws. In his first match, he split points with Luis Ernesto himself, and later in the evening repeated the result against Ukrainian Viktor Matviishen.

With these results, he reached 4.5 points—half a point behind Luis Ernesto, who defeated Colombian Joshua Daniel Ruiz in the second round.

Lelys Martínez drew against the highest-rated competitor, Peruvian Jorge Cori, and later triumphed over teammate Ermes Espinosa. He now also holds 4.5 points, tied with Matviishen and Colombian Sergio Barrientos.

Barrientos will be Dylan’s first opponent on Thursday—a double-round day—while Lelys faces Joshua, and Luis Ernesto meets Matviishen.

The tournament has three rounds remaining, with nine planned in total. Although surprises may still occur, indications suggest the prize distribution will be among the aforementioned players. It is worth recalling that the last time a Cuban topped the standings was Carlos Daniel Albornoz in 2023.

Also competing this year is Michel Alejandro Díaz, who, with four points, remains close to the leaders and could still challenge for the podium with a strong finish. Other Cubans—Ermes Espinosa, Elier Miranda, Yusuan Gutiérrez, Juan Borges, Daniel Hidalgo, and Rodney Pérez—each hold 3.5 points.

Amanda Muñiz and Yoana González have three points each, while Róxangel Obregón and Karen Gutiérrez stand at 2.5 points.