The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Chess Championship for players aged 8 to 18 wrapped up on February 7 at the Nakhchivan Children’s and Youth Chess School after five days of intense competition. Around 100 young players from the region participated in six age categories, with the top three in each qualifying for the national championship in March. The event, organized by local education authorities and backed by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, highlighted emerging talent in the sport.
The tournament, initiated by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and organized by the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, drew approximately 100 male and female chess players aged 8 to 18 from across the autonomous republic. Competitions unfolded over five days, concluding on February 7 at the Nakhchivan Children’s and Youth Chess School.
Matches followed FIDE regulations, employing the Swiss and round-robin systems. Each participant received 45 minutes for the full game, plus a 15-second increment per move from the start. Ties were resolved using standard criteria: the Buchholz coefficient, number of wins, and head-to-head results.
Final standings determined that the top three finishers in each of the six age categories secured spots in the national chess championship, set for March and open to players aged 8–18 from throughout Azerbaijan.
Organizers emphasized the event's significance, stating it played a crucial role in spotting new talent and fostering chess growth among youth in the region. The championship not only promoted competitive play but also aligned with broader efforts to develop the sport locally.