Salem hopes to reach the top

Dubai: UAE's Salem AR Saleh has emerged as the Asian Youth Under-14 Chess Champion after winning the ninth and final round of the Asian Youth Chess Championship at the Al Ain Sports Club.

Speaking to Gulf News after his spectacular performance by winning eight out of the nine games, Salem said: "I am delighted at having brought honour to my country. Now I want to go on to become the youngest Grand Master."

Salem who is now a FIDE master is on track to clinch the GM title based on his present form.

Basics

"In a recent tournament in Abu Dhabi I had amassed 2,495 points. I have also participated in Moscow Aeroflot tournament and Czech Open. I had also put up a good show in Dubai and Abu Dhabi matches. If I can continue my form I can reach my goal soon," said Salem.

Salem has piled up points with such a pace that within an year he may clinch the GM title to emerges as the youngest GM from the Gulf region.

When asked about his immediate plans, Salem said: "I have been constantly playing in tournaments for the last six months. Right now I will take a break and then return to competitions."

Salem is indebted to his father for his success. "My father taught me the basics of the game. My two elder brothers as well as my elder sisters play chess. So I get to train a lot," he said.

Salem's father, Abdul Rehman Saleh is a member of the Sharjah Chess Club. He introduced all his children into the game.

Salem won the Asian title pocketing eight points. S.P. Sethuraman of India took the silver with 7.5 points while India's Prasanna Rao and Singapore's Chan Yi Ren shared the third place with seven points.

Meanwhile, Kowsarinia Amir of Iran won the Under-12 title.