When one immerses oneself in the history of chess in Peru, one can rationally ask oneself if there is some genetic or environmental component in that country to explain why it produces a large number of very brilliant talents, totally disproportionate to the low investment of money, public or private, in mental sport. This collection of videos already includes Julio Granda -one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the history of chess-, Emilio Córdova and Jorge Cori, but it is worth adding Daysi Cori, José Martínez Alcántara (now with the Mexican flag) or the recently deceased Orestes Rodríguez. In some cases there is a logical connection between these prodigies and the great work of promoting chess at the Saco Oliveros private school in Lima. But in others, like Granda’s, they seem like works of nature.
This collection of great chess players would be incomplete if we do not add the oldest of all, Esteban Canal (1896-1981), who always played for Peru although he studied in Germany and then lived in Italy. He never had enough financial resources to be a true professional player. However, he achieved several successes against world champions and other elite rivals. And, above all, he signed the wonderful miniature discussed in this video. It is unlikely that a fan can forget it, even if they enjoy it only once.
