GM Salem Saleh Dominates April’s Titled Tuesday Tournament with 8.5/9

GM Salem Saleh’s preparation for today’s Abu Dhabi Super Blitz Challenge couldn’t have been better. The UAE resident showcased his exceptional skills by winning April’s second Titled Tuesday tournament with an impressive 8.5/9 score after dominating his first eight games.

The tournament, which has now become a weekly event with an increased prize fund of $1,600, saw a record-breaking number of participants with 1,126 players competing. Saleh’s stellar performance was marked by his solid gameplay and accurate calculations, even in challenging situations like his round eight match against GM Vladimir Fedoseev.

In the final game, Saleh faced world number-four GM Ian Nepomniachtchi and was on track for a victory when his opponent made a crucial mouse slip on move 11, leading to a draw. Saleh claimed the $750 first prize for finishing clear first, while a group of seven grandmasters, including Nepomniachtchi and GM Gata Kamsky, received $92.86 each for scoring half a point less.

Additionally, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk won the $100 prize for the best female player, and Nepomniachtchi secured the Chess.com streamers’ prize of $100. The tournament featured a strong field of world-class grandmasters, with notable performances from players like Anish Giri, Alexander Grischuk, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Overall, Saleh’s remarkable victory and the intense competition at the Titled Tuesday tournament have set the stage for an exciting Abu Dhabi Super Blitz Challenge. With his exceptional form and strategic gameplay, Saleh is undoubtedly a strong contender in the upcoming event.