Cuba sweeps Zonal 2.3
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Cuba’s top 2 players lived up to expectations at the recently completed Zonal held in Domincan Republic. Dominguez scored 11 points in 12 games (!), taking first prize. Followed closely behind, just a half point less, was compatriot Bruzon. Both players qualify for the World Cup to be held in Kanty-Mansiysk later his summer. Mexico’s Leon Hoyos finished in 3rd with 9.5 points. The prize fund was $5,000.
POSITION AFTER 13 MOVES:
LORENZANA
DOMINGUEZ LENIER
A typical position these days for those who study the Maroczy bind. Normal for White now is to play a plan involving b4 and Rb1. However, Dominguez proceeded with another plan:
14. a4!
White intends to use this pawn as a battering ram inorder to create a serious weakness on the Queenside. How Dominguez exploited this – and especially the energy of his play–makes an excellent impression, well worth the reader’s time to play over the game in the pgn-viewer.