GM Saleh Salem Clinches Challengers Triathlon Title at 2024 Biel Chess Festival

GM Saleh Salem has emerged as the champion of the Challengers Triathlon at the 2024 Biel Chess Festival with two days to spare after a thrilling victory over GM Vaishali Rameshbabu. The intense match saw Salem surviving a sacrificial attack from Vaishali to secure the win and take an unassailable lead in the tournament.

On the other hand, in the Masters category, GM Liem Le faced tough competition against GM Abhimanyu Mishra but managed to hold on for a draw. A similar result was seen in the game between GM Haik Martirosyan and GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu after both players traded exchange sacrifices.

The second round of the Finals is set to begin on Wednesday, July 24, at 8 a.m. ET / 14:00 CEST / 5:30 p.m. IST. The players are gearing up for more intense battles as the tournament progresses.

During the final rest day in Biel, a friendly basketball match was organized by Arne Kaehler from chessbase, featuring some GMTs and MTOs of the Biel Chess Festival. The players, including GM Jonas Bjerre and GM Alexander Donchenko, enjoyed a fun-filled game of basketball to unwind before the next round of matches.

With Salem clinching the title in the Challengers category, the focus now shifts to the Masters, where four players are still in contention for the top spot. The games are heating up, with intense draws and strategic moves keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build, with players giving their all to secure victory. The 2024 Biel Chess Festival promises more thrilling matches and intense competition as the players battle it out for the prestigious title. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting chess event.