By José M.ª González, Las Palmas

From July 24 to August 14, the 8th International “City of Las Palmas” Tournament was held in the halls of the Hotel Santa Catalina, with the participation of 16 players representing eight countries.

The winner was the Soviet grandmaster Rafael Vaganian, who scored 12 points out of a possible 15, being the only undefeated player in the tournament. He showed perfect preparation and consistency throughout the event, which enabled him to take first place after Guillermo García lost to Bellón in the 13th round.

The Cuban García played an excellent tournament until the 13th round, almost always leading the field. From that point on he collapsed and had to give up first place, tying for second with the Yugoslav Ivkov. Ivkov, by contrast, started slowly and gradually climbed the standings until he reached third place in an impressive final sprint.

The Romanian Suba — who seems to be the definitive successor to his compatriot Florin Gheorghiu in Spanish tournaments — also performed at a high level, finishing half a point behind Geller, who, it must be said in passing, was not at the level of his acknowledged class.

Csom did no more than fulfil expectations, as did Rodríguez. As for Bellón, much more may be demanded of him than what was seen here, even taking into account his good placing and the excessive number of consecutive tournaments he has behind him.

Fernández and Rivas pleased me this time. Because of their youth and good manners, they are undoubtedly two real prospects within Spanish chess. Tatai, with the same score, collapsed at the end.

The Canarian Domínguez was another of the pleasant surprises of the tournament, with very aggressive play and without being intimidated by the quality of his opponents.

García Padrón was not up to the level of his Elo rating, nor did he put up a fight at any moment. In his defence, it can only be said that he was doing his military service. The same could be said of Sanz, though with some mitigating circumstances, since he is young and a few days earlier had had a good performance in Maspalomas.

Garriga and Betancort closed the standings. The Catalan was out of his depth, and Betancort had to replace Menville in the third round — Menville having undergone appendix surgery — while combining his work with the organization of the tournament. To play in addition to that, and to do it well, is difficult.

Medina, assisted by Fraguela and Quevedo, ran the tournament without incident. As for the organization, with the experience gained from this being the eighth consecutive edition, it was at the highest level.

It is worth emphasizing the sensational effort of that group of Canarian enthusiasts who, against all odds, have managed to ensure the continuation of this important tournament, when everything seemed to foreshadow the loss of another major international chess event organized in our country; events which, like Arrecife, Orense, Palma de Mallorca, Montilla this year, Olot, and so many others, are disappearing.

The Lezcano, Armas, Lemes, Betancort, Fraguela, and all those who have worked so that this great “City of Las Palmas” tournament could also be held this year deserve the gratitude of Spanish chess fans in general, and of Canarian fans in particular. To all of them, many thanks.