International Master Lela Javakhishvili from Georgia has withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix India due to personal reasons. According to the WGP regulations, she will be substituted by IM Salome Melia, who is now confirmed to participate in the fifth stage of the series.
Hailing from Batumi, Georgia, Salome Melia has a distinguished chess career. She is a two-time winner of the European Under-18 Girls Championship, securing victories in 2004 and 2005. Her achievements also include silver and bronze medals at the Women’s European Individual Chess Championship in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Melia is a two-time Georgian Women’s Champion (2008 and 2010) and has proudly represented her nation at numerous Chess Olympiads, including the 45th edition held in Budapest. Furthermore, she was a key member of the Georgian team that won gold at the 2015 Women’s World Team Chess Championship in Chengdu.
The fifth stage of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25 is scheduled to be held in India from April 13th to 24th. Salome Melia will take Lela Javakhishvili’s place in the competition.
Georgian women players and friends at the 2018 ‘Lela and Bela Cup’
