Chess League: Triveni Continental Kings becomes Global Chess League Champion
Dubai. Triveni Continental Kings won their maiden Global Chess League (GCL) title after Danish Grandmaster Jonas Jeier defeated Zovakhir Sindarov of Upgrade Mumba Masters in a ‘sudden death’ match. The winner was decided via a three-stage tiebreak. Two rounds of rapid betting ended in a draw, while two rounds of blitz betting also ended in a draw. The champion was ultimately decided with a series of saddle death blitz games with the fourth game deciding. Having lost most of his matches besides being among the most inexperienced players of the tournament, Jair, however, scored a victory for the team at the most crucial moment. “The last game was very tense,” Jair said after Sunday night’s win.
It was very exciting. I’m still trembling. Levon Aronium (team captain) told me to fight, if you win this bet, you win the tournament.” This important victory won Zaire not only the title for his team but also the prize money of half a million dollars. The team also got The total prize money of the tournament was $1 million. Triveni won the first rapid match 9-7 in which Aronium defeated Maxime Vachier Lagrave. In the second match, Mumba Masters defeated Triveni 12-3.
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After the scores were tied, the Grand Finale was decided by a two-round blitz tiebreak with each player having three minutes. Two seconds were to be given after each move. Mumba Masters dominated on all boards, registering easy wins on boards three, five and six. Other games were drawn. Mumba won the first round tiebreak 14-5. In the second round, Triveni made a comeback and won 13-7. The champion was decided by sudden death after Mumba and Triveni won one round each. Sudden death matches are played on only one board, which is selected through a draw. The first pair was made up of Sara Khadem and Harika Dronavalli of India. The game ended in a draw. The next two games were also drawn after which Jair registered a memorable win.
