Panama's Alessia Avendaño crowned undefeated champion at Pan American Youth Chess Festival

Panamanian chess prodigy Alessia Avendaño has made history, becoming the first from her country to win an undefeated title at the XXXVI Pan American Youth Chess Festival. The 14-year-old secured the U14 Blitz championship in Medellín, Colombia, with a flawless performance, winning all nine of her matches.

Avendaño's perfect 9/9 score saw her defeat competitors from 25 nations, including powerhouses like the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Her triumph highlights a significant achievement for Panamanian youth chess and sets a new benchmark for the nation's participation in regional tournaments.

Her gold medal performance spearheaded a successful outing for Panama's 32 young players. Ashley Castillo also earned a silver medal in the U18 Blitz category, while José Bernardo Fábrega achieved a notable fourth place in the U16 Rapid division. This collective success underscores a growing strength in Panamanian chess.

This latest victory adds to Avendaño's already impressive resume. She previously won the Central American and Caribbean U14 Championship in Puerto Rico, where she earned her FIDE Master title. She also secured the U14 National Championship and a silver medal at the Pan American Festival in El Salvador. Avendaño's future aspirations include competing in the Chess Olympiad and facing world-class players.