Salimova Draws with Rising Star Finek at EICC 2026

The Opening

Nurgyul Salimova (2399) faced off against Vaclav Finek (2571) in round 2 of the European Individual Chess Championship 2026. The Bulgarian IM, known for her breakthrough into open sections after winning the women's championship in 2017, took on the rising Czech star who had just secured his third GM norm at the Prague Festival.

The game opened with the Queen's Gambit Declined Three Knights Variation after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6. This classical setup suggested both players were content to test each other's preparation in well-established theoretical territory.

The Middle Game

The position developed along typical QGD lines, with both sides completing their development methodically. Salimova, playing white, maintained the slight initiative that comes with the first move, while Finek demonstrated the solid defensive skills that have made him one of Europe's most promising juniors.

At 16 years old, Finek has been making waves on the tournament circuit. His undefeated performance at the Prague Festival earlier this year, where he scored 6½/9 with a tournament performance rating of 2720, marked him as a player to watch. Against Salimova, he showed the same resilient style that has served him well in recent competitions.

The Draw

The game reached a balanced position where neither player could create significant winning chances. Both IMs navigated the complexities with precision, eventually agreeing to a draw that reflected the objective evaluation of the position.

For Salimova, the result continues her steady campaign in the European Championship. The 23-year-old has been climbing the rating ladder consistently, reaching 2399 in the latest FIDE ratings. Her decision to compete in open sections rather than women-only events has paid dividends in terms of experience against stronger opposition.

Finek's draw maintains his solid tournament standing. The young Czech player, who won the U14 European Youth Championship in 2024, continues to prove he belongs at this level of competition.

This kind of well-fought draw between two rising talents captures the essence of competitive chess — where preparation, calculation, and endurance all matter. At ChessFlow, we've turned this game into wall art that celebrates the quiet intensity of high-level chess.