The announcement was made on Monday by National Chess Commissioner
Osvaldo Diaz who added that Grand Masters Leinier Dominguez and Lazaro
Bruzon will be the only Cuban representatives in the Elite Group on this
occasion.

Ivanchuk, eleventh in the world ranking of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will participate in the event for the fourth time after he won the tournament in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Meanwhile, it will be Short’s debut in this competition.

Although he’s not exactly at his prime, Short has a record of excellent results and he has reached three final phases among candidates for the world title.

Invitations are still being sent out to other top world players and organizers expect that the tournament will have a Category 18 level with players of over or close to 2,700 points of ELO ranking.

The Elite group will be comprised of six players with a double round-robin format.