The IV Individual Absolute Championship (CNIA) of Cabo Verde took place in the conference room of the Chamber of Commerce of the Barlavento, in Mindelo (S. Vicente Island), from 15th to 18th of October 2020. The organizers, the Cabo Verdean Chess Federation, adopted some strict health security procedures to mitigate the risk of contagion of COVID-19: the mandatory use of a mask, the temperature measurement for all who entered the game room, including guests and the press, and the requirement to disinfect hands with gel sanitizer at the entrance.

It was the first and, until now, the only national sports competition held in Cabo Verde during the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it a landmark in Cabo Verdean sport.

The number of participants in the 7-round Swiss tournament was limited for safety reasons, with 20 players (4 women) representing 6 clubs taking part. The youngest player was a 12-year old Jacira Almeida whereas the oldest participant was Carlos Mões aged 67.

The rating favorite IM Mariano Ortega lived up to his reputation – he won all seven games and clinched the title with a round to spare. The final round was decisive in terms of the remaining places on the podium. David Anes Monteiro defeated Célia R. Guevara, caught up with his opponent, and relegated her to third place as the winner of the head-to-head encounter. 

Best players by category: 

• Women – Célia R. Guevara

• U12 – Jacira Almeida

• U16 – Jason Lopes

• U18 – Iliano Santos

• U20 – Mário Monteiro

• S50 – Luis Pina Fernandes

• S65 – Carlos Mões

Final standings:

1.  IM Ortega Amarelle Mariano (2458) – 7
2.  Monteiro Antonio David Cabral Anes (1766) – 5
3. Rodriguez Guevara Celia M. (1858) – 5
4.  Pereira Eder Marcio (1788) –  4½  
5.  Fernandes Luis De Pina (1606) – 4½
6.  Neves Diogo Alexandre (1573) – 4½
7.  Fernandes Henry (1619) – 3½
8.  Fortes Aires (1504) – 3½
9.  Santos Iliano Silva (0) – 3½
10. Miranda Iura (1388) – 3½

Photo: Daniel Lopes