The 1st World Junior Chess Championship for the Disabled: Raphael Johannes Zimmer (Germany) leads with 6 points

June 27, 2017

Press Release
By Dora Leticia Martinez

FLORIDA (USA) – On June 27th, 2017 members of the FIDE Social Action Commission, Beatriz Marinello, Chair; Robert Katende, General Secretary; Guy Bendana, Councillor; and Paris Klerides, Councillor, were onsite to observe Round 6 of the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship for the Disabled.

GM Thomas Luther, FIDE Social Action Commission members. (l-r) Paris Klerides, Robert Katende,and Beatriz Marinello observe Round 6. Seated (l-r) Aiya Cancio, volunteer; assists Jesus Adrian Barrios (Paraguay) with notation, as he plays Griffin McConnell (USA). Photo Copyright: Dora Leticia Martinez

After winning the sixth round, Raphael (Germany) remains undefeated.

WIM Natasha Morales (Puerto Rico) and Raphael Johannes Zimmer (Germany). Photo Copyright: Dora Leticia Martinez

Griffin McConnell (USA) wins the sixth round playing black against Jesus Adrian Barrios (Paraguay). Photo Copyright: Dora Leticia Martinez

Jeff Allen from the local Orlando News 13 interviewed the other American player, Paul Tortajada.

Paul Tortajada with his mother, Margarita being interviewed by Jeff Allen from the local Orlando News 13. Photo Copyright: Martha Underwood

Paul (USA) and Warsaw (Uganda) play a friendly game as Jeff Allen from the local Orlando News 13 films the game. Paul’s coach, who is also a STEM teacher observes the game. Photo Copyright: Martha Underwood

Channel 13 News also filmed a friendly game between Paul (USA) and Wasswa (Uganda) which will be aired next week.

Paul (USA) watches as his coach is interviewed. Photo Copyright: Martha Underwood

Aiya Cancio, volunteer; assists Wasswa (Uganda) with game analysis. Photo Copyright: Dora Leticia Martinez

Volunteers such as Aiya Cancio (right), a member of the 2015 National High School All Girls Championship Team, are extremely crucial for an event such as this because the players may not only require personal assistance but greatly benefit when the aide has a strong knowledge of the game and can go over their games as they prepare for the next round.

Samarth (India), currently in 2nd place with 5 points and Dorian (Belgium) after their round 6 game. Photo Copyright: Martha Underwood

FIDE World Junior Chess Championship for Disabled players and other chess players attend training camp; seen here with NM Bryan Tillis. Photo Copyright: Dora Leticia Martinez

The FIDE World Junior Chess Championship chessplayers are also attending the Master Training Program along with other chessplayers which feature lectures by Grandmaster Thomas Luther, chess training and chess labs with WIM Beatriz Marinello, NM Bryan Tillis and Expert Steve Abrahams.

The Round 7 will be played on June 28th. Stay tuned for more coverage!

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