Young grandmaster Mahammad Muradli defeated Shahriyar Mammadyarov in the final to claim the Azerbaijan Chess Championship title. The victory came in a return match with an aggregate score of 1.5-0.5. Mammadyarov, the rating favorite, earned silver for the second year in a row.
Mahammad Muradli has been crowned the winner of the Azerbaijan Chess Championship after the final round matches concluded. The ceremonial first move in the return matches was made by Farid Gayibov, the Minister of Youth and Sports, marking the start of the decisive games.
In the key return match, Muradli, playing with the white pieces, secured a victory against Shahriyar Mammadyarov in a competitive encounter. This resulted in an overall aggregate score of 1.5-0.5 across the two matches, officially awarding Muradli the national title.
Mammadyarov, who entered as the top-rated player, took home the silver medal after his second consecutive final loss. Other tournament matches were still underway to finalize the remaining placements.
The Azerbaijan Chess Championship stands as one of the country's most prestigious events, highlighting both veteran grandmasters and rising talents. Azerbaijan boasts a strong chess tradition, regularly producing top international players and hosting significant global tournaments. This reflects the nation's commitment to advancing intellectual sports and nurturing youth potential.