The Elkargune in Azkoitia hosted the Azkoitia Sustapena tournament this morning, organized by the Azkoitiko Anaitasuna Kakute and Gros chess clubs. A total of 160 participants took part, spread across two halls. According to the organizers, this year's edition has been "a success," both in terms of player numbers and the level of play displayed.
The competition was divided into three categories. In the under-20 category, Gorka Tafall (Hondarribia-Marlaxka) emerged victorious, winning all five of his games. He was followed by Asier Etaio (Mikel Gurea) and Jose Angel Rodriguez (Gros), both securing four points. In this category, local players Denis Valor and Alaitz Hidalgo finished with two points, while sisters Ane and Izaro Arriola concluded with a single point each.
In the under-14 category, Zhian Lin and Ekai Legorburu (Gros) claimed victory with 4.5 points, ahead of Alex Franco from Azpeitia, who earned four points and was recognized as the best player among the six participants in his group. Meanwhile, Azkoitia's own Ian Arellano scored one point in the tournament.
Lastly, in the under-12 category, Hugo Rodriguez (Gros) dominated with five points. The podium was completed by Iosu Usede (Gros) and Pedro Garcia (Taula Lasarte club), both with 4.5 points. The top local player in this category was Luken Pascual, with four points.
The judging panel included Mikel Almansa, Aitor Herran, Imanol Larrañaga, Christian Sanchez, Unai Dorronsoro, and Egoitz Irure.
The organizers expressed "great pride" in the response to the event, highlighting that they received "many congratulatory messages." They extended their gratitude to the club members, parents, and all the supporters of the tournament.
