Erlantz Miguelez, a member of Laudio Xake Kluba, has expressed his immense satisfaction after winning the Basque Chess Championship. In the tournament held in Zarautz, the Llodio player secured a spot in the final round by finishing second in Álava, and victory was not among his initial expectations. He acknowledges that his club is strong in Álava, but that top-tier teams exist in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa.
He participated in the championship without pressure, alongside thirteen other players from Araba, Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Navarra. After a strong start and defeating strong opponents, he overcame the tournament favorite in the penultimate round, at which point he began to consider his chances of becoming champion.
He reached the final stretch tied with three other players. While two of them drew in the final match, Miguelez emerged victorious, securing the title. He stated that this win was a great surprise and very good news, as it has helped him psychologically overcome a streak of poor results.
“"I started the tournament well and defeated strong opponents. In the penultimate round, I beat the tournament favorite and began to think I had a chance to be champion."
He highlighted that all his opponents congratulated him, and their joy seemed sincere. Furthermore, he kept his club, Laudio Xake Kluba, in mind, receiving messages of support from them during and after the tournament. Miguelez believes the victory will bring visibility to the team, aiding in the promotion of the sport.
However, this victory is not the result of a single day's work. Miguelez began playing chess in 1992 and joined Laudio Xake Kluba at the age of 17. He became the absolute champion of Álava in 2003, but had never achieved such a feat again. He did not dream of becoming the Basque champion, given that teams in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa have a larger social base, more masters, and significant sponsors.
