Chess in Barcelona
If you are wondering why the story is on ‘Chess in Barcelona‘, then let me explain!
It started on 21st September 2019 when Mr Jordi Herms Agullo who is the President of the Granollers Club D’Escacs visited Nairobi Chess Club. Jordi is a close friend to Roberto Villuela who is the Treasurer of Nairobi Chess Club.
Fast forward to February 2020, and I find myself in the charming city of Barcelona accompanying my daughter, who is on a university exchange program.
Before you ask – we did not see Lionel Messi or even visit Camp Nou!
I was in luck according to Jordi who informs me that I will be able to watch one of the top matches in the Catalan Chess League. It involved Escola d’Escacs de Barcelona playing arch-rivals Club d’Escacs Barcelona. The Catalan Chess League is organised by the Catalan Chess Federation.
The venue of the clash was the plush Hotel 1882, Còrsega 482, Barcelona. The date was 8th February 2020.
It was a highly anticipated match with 4 GMs, 1 WGM, 6 IMs and 5 FMs! I was able to take some photos, videos and even meet up with the Presidents of the two teams.
The final score was 8-2 in favour of L’Escola D’Escacs De Barcelona.
L’Escola D’Escacs De Barcelona
GM Alan Pichot (ARG) 2561
GM Peralta Fernando (ARG) 2602
GM Asis Hipolito (ESP) 2551
GM Viktor Moskalenko (ESP) 2531
WGM Sophie Milliet (FRA) 2447
IM Alberto Chueca (ESP) 2372
IM Victor Vehi (ESP) 2401
FM Alejandro Barbero (ESP) 2358
FM Xavier Avila (ESP) 2310
Miguel Ruperez 2247 (ARG)
Club d’Escacs Barcelona
IM Lennis Martinez (CUB) 2445
IM Angel Martin Gonzales (ESP) 2436
IM Gerard Ayats (ESP) 2434
IM Santiago Beltran (ESP) 2413
FM Alberto Gome 2384
FM Luis Oms 2383
Adrian Jimenez (ESP) 2232
FM Jordi Cuadras (ESP) 2246
Juan Moravich (ARG) 2195
Vicent Serrano (ESP) 1936
Alan Pichot v Lennis Ramirez
Santiago Beltran v Viktor Moskalenko
Sophie Milliet v Luis Alberto Gomes
Club d’Escacs Barcelona (Barcelona Chess Club)
Club d’Escacs Barcelona one of the oldest chess clubs in Spain. It was registered on 17th September 1921. The Catalan Chess Federation was registered in 1925 and the Spanish Chess Federation in 1928.
The club has won a total of twelve Spanish titles and 23 Catalonia titles.
The current President of the club is Juan Manuel Sanchez.
L’Escola D’Escacs De Barcelona
L’Escola D’Escacs De Barcelona was registered in May 1986 first as a chess school. It is now a fully fledged chess school and club.
The current President of the club is Abel Segura.
Links
PGNs from the Catalan Chess League.
Video clip 1 of the Catalan Chess League.
Video clip 2 of the Catalan Chess League.
Video clip 3 of the Catalan Chess League.
