Battle of Minds - Classic
MatchStandard
Location
🇦🇪Sharjah, UAE
Dates
08 Feb 2026 → 12 Feb 2026
Time control
Standard: 90 minutes with 30 second increment from move 1
System
Match · 4 rounds
Titled players · 2
GM×2
Federations · 2 represented
🇦🇪United Arab Emirates×1
🇺🇸United States of America×1
Top 3
- 🥇
- 🥈
How the match unfolded
Game-by-game momentum · 4 gamesGM A.R. Saleh Salem led at midway (0.5–1.5 after G2); Liang pulled back in G4 but never overtook.
G2 · FIRST DECISIVE09 Feb
GM A.R. Saleh Salem opens the score with the Black. Early advantage to the underdog.
G4 · COMEBACK11 Feb
GM Awonder Liang equalizes at 2.0–2.0. First tie since G1.
Grille américaine
| # | Player | Elo | Fed | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Pts | Bu C1 | Bu | SB | Perf | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liang, AwonderGM | 2719 | USA | =2N | −2B | =2N | +2B | 2.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.00 | 2635 | -4.8 |
| 2 | Salem, A.R. SalehGM | 2635 | UAE | =1B | +1N | =1B | −1N | 2.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.00 | 2719 | +4.8 |
Key insights
Biggest movers and upsets — the story behind the numbers.
Top rating gainers
- 1Salem, A.R. SalehGMUAE+4.82.0 pts · #2
- 2Liang, AwonderGMUSA-4.82.0 pts · #1
Top rating losers
- 1Liang, AwonderGMUSA-4.82.0 pts · #1
- 2Salem, A.R. SalehGMUAE4.82.0 pts · #2