Patricia Evarista Castillo Pena Photo: Alina L’Ami

The Dominican Chess Federation has expressed its gratitude to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT), Dr. Franklin García Firmin, who announced during the opening of the LXIII National Championships of the Dominican Republic, that the first-prize winners will be awarded national or international scholarships, to continue expanding their knowledge and professionalism is at the highest level.

“Chess, called a science game, has proven for years that it greatly benefits those who participate in this fundamental practice,” said Franklin Garcia Fermin in his speech.

Photo: amicohoops.net

The country’s national women's championship, an 8-round Swiss tournament, brought together 24 female players from 13 provinces of the country. The opening ceremony was led by the President of the Dominican Chess Federation (FDA), Pedro Dominguez Preto, along with the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), Antonio Acosta, at Albergue Olímpico Dominicano.

The event was a close race of three rating favourites with the third-rated Patricia Evarista Castillo Pena coming out on top, just a half-point ahead of Wilsaida Pieranlly Diaz Cesar and Doribel Munoz Santana who tied for second place. Thanks to better tiebreaks Diaz Cesar took silver whereas Doribel Munoz Santana settled for bronze.

Final standings:

1. Castillo Pena Patricia Evarista – 6½
2. Diaz Cesar Wilsaida Pieranlly – 6 
3. Munoz Santana Doribel – 6
4. Moronta Ramos Dianelva – 5½
5. Hazim Gonzalez Elizabeth – 5
6. Ramirez Luzon Franchesca – 5
7. Joaquin Salcedo Candida – 5
8. Martinez Jimenez Manyely – 5
9. Sanchez Jaspez Rosangel – 5
10. Cabreja Lora Suzette – 4½

Text: Izer Hector (amicohoops.net/)