Azerbaijani chess players fail to advance to quarterfinals at world championship

Azerbaijani chess players were unable to reach the quarterfinals at the ongoing World Blitz Chess Championship in New York.

Azerbaijan is represented by 15 players in the competition, but despite their efforts, none managed to progress past the initial stages, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

In the men’s tournament, the players included Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Vasif Durarbayli, Eltaj Safarli, Vugar Manafov, Mahammad Muradli, Aydin Suleymanli, Vugar Rasulov, and Read Samadov. After 13 rounds, Aydin Suleymanli achieved the best result, finishing in 28th place with 8.5 points. Eltaj Safarli scored 8 points, while Mammadyarov and Rasulov both earned 7.5 points.

In the women’s tournament, Azerbaijan was represented by Gunay Mammadzada, Gulnar Mammadova, Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Khanim Balajayeva, Turkan Mammadyarova, Govhar Beydullayeva, and Zeynab Mammadyarova. Gulnar Mamadova scored 6.5 points, finishing 27th, while Beydullayeva and Fataliyeva earned 5.5 points each.

Earlier in the rapid format of the championship, Azerbaijani player Mahammad Muradli earned the best result among the men, finishing in 12th place. Gunay Mammadzada ranked 23rd among the women.

The total prize pool for the World Blitz Chess Championship stands at $1,428,500.

By Vugar Khalilov