The Georgian Chess Championship 2024 concluded in Tbilisi, with Baadur Jobava securing his fourth national title. The 10-player round-robin tournament featured Georgia’s top chess talents, including defending champion Mikheil Mchedlishvili. Baadur Jobava, a Gali native, emerged as the favorite, having previously claimed the championship in 2003, 2007, and 2012.
The tournament, held from January 29 to February 7, showcased intense competition with classical time control. Jobava and Luka Paichadze both started strongly, each accumulating 3 points in the initial four rounds. However, their paths diverged in Round 5, where Luka suffered a defeat, allowing Jobava to draw with 2022 champion Levan Pantsulaia and take the lead.
Jobava extended his lead with consecutive victories in Rounds 6 and 7, solidifying his position at the top. Entering the final ninth round with a one-point advantage over Giga Quparadze and Mikheil Mchedlishvili, Jobava faced Luka Paichadze and secured the title with an outstanding score of 7/9. Notably, Jobava remained unbeaten throughout the event.
Nikolozi Kacharava played a pivotal role in the championship’s outcome, securing a crucial victory over Giga Quparadze in the last round. This win propelled Kacharava to tie for second place with Mikheil Mchedlishvili, both finishing with 5.5/7. However, Kacharava secured the silver medal due to a higher number of victories.
The championship highlighted Baadur Jobava’s enduring chess prowess, adding another title to his illustrious career. The strategic battles and competitive performances of Georgia’s top players showcased the nation’s rich chess tradition.
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