Winning one match and losing the other left the Cuban selection in 10th place at the Intellectual Cup Chess Tournament, with only three rounds remaining in the Russian region of Novokuznetsk.

The Island's representatives opened Thursday's session with a 9.5-3.5 victory against the second local team and then suffered a 5.5-7.5 defeat against Tajikistan, thus reaching 45.5 units in a standings led by Kazakhstan with 58 points.

Esteban David O'Farril, Alberto García, Daziel Pernas, Ángel González, and Mya Valdés maintained the privilege of being the best-placed team from the Americas in a tournament convened for youth and school players, in which each match includes a simultaneous session and rapid game duels.

Belarus (55 points), Uzbekistan (53.5), Sri Lanka (48.5), and Kyrgyzstan (48) are the closest pursuers of the standings leaders, in a tournament where the days are complemented with training exchanges and other cultural activities to broaden knowledge among the champions of the future.

In round seven, the Cubans will face the Paranginskaya School team, another representing Russian regions, which is currently in ninth position with 46 points.

A year ago, the Island's youngsters bid farewell to the tournament with a bronze medal in the team competition and an individual gold for Felipe Herrera on the first board.