Azerbaijan confirms squad for European Women’s Chess Championship in Greece

Azerbaijan has confirmed its squad for the upcoming European Women's Chess Championship, set to take place from March 30 to April 12 on the Greek island of Rhodes.

The Azerbaijani team will feature Govhar Beydullayeva, Gulnar Mammadova, Turkan Mammadyarova, Ayan Allahverdiyeva, Sabina Ibrahimova, Lala Huseynova, Narmin Abdinova, and reigning European champion Ulviyya Fataliyeva, who will be aiming to defend her 2024 title, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

A total of 131 players have so far confirmed their participation in the championship, which will have a prize fund of €60,000.

Note that, the 24th European Women’s Chess Championship (EWCC 2025) is scheduled to take place in Rhodes, Greece, from 30 March to 12 April 2025. Organised under the European Chess Union (ECU), the tournament is open to all female players from ECU member federations, with no rating or title restrictions.

The championship will follow a Swiss system with 11 rounds, using a time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes and a 30-second increment per move. A total prize fund of €60,000 will be awarded, with €10,000 reserved for the winner. Additionally, the top 10 players will qualify for the FIDE Women’s World Cup.

Players and officials will be accommodated at the five-star Rodos Palace Hotel, which will also serve as the playing venue. Registration closes on February 14, 2025, with a mandatory deposit required. An ECU entry fee applies, varying based on a player’s title.

Strict regulations will be enforced, including the ECU Dress Code, anti-cheating measures, and fair play rules. Accredited participants will have limited access to the playing area, and flash photography will only be permitted in the first 10 minutes of each round.

By Aghakazim Guliyev