Jobava overpowers GM Salem after excellent defense

In round 5 of Abu Dhabi Masters, Jobava faced UAE’s number one player GM Salem. Both are tactical players and so we were not too surprised when the game turned into a very sharp game in the Slav Defense. Salem was pushing hard as white, perhaps with a slight advantage but Jobava played a brilliant defense and managed to equalise. In move 26, Salem made a fatal mistake in the complicated position by playing the f-pawn to f6. This move lost the e6 pawn instantly after the 26..Qg4 check and Jobava could easily capitalize the full point after this.

The full game.

Tomorrow, on August 7 at 16.00 CEST, Jobava will face Iran’s new star player GM Maghsoodloo on board 1 with the white pieces.