Mahammad Muradli defeated tournament favorite Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to win the Azerbaijan Chess Championship. The 22-year-old secured the title in a final-round match in Baku on February 21. This victory marks his third national championship.
The Azerbaijan Chess Championship concluded with Mahammad Muradli emerging as the champion after a decisive victory over Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in the final round. The match took place on February 21 in Baku, where Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, performed the ceremonial first move, as reported by local media.
In the second game of the final, Muradli, playing with the white pieces, prevailed in a tightly contested encounter against the national ranking leader and seasoned grandmaster. This resulted in a 1.5–0.5 aggregate score over the two games, clinching the title for Muradli.
Mamedyarov, who entered as the top-rated contender, earned the silver medal but fell short in the final for the second consecutive year. Aydin Suleymanli secured third place and the bronze medal.
At 22 years old, Muradli's triumph represents his third national championship, following wins in 2019 and 2022. He also represented Azerbaijan at the 2025 European Team Championship, where the team captured a silver medal.
The Azerbaijan Chess Championship stands as one of the country's most prominent sporting events, showcasing established grandmasters and emerging talents. Azerbaijan maintains a robust chess tradition, consistently producing elite players and hosting international competitions, which highlights the state's commitment to intellectual sports and youth development.
Meanwhile, the women's championship neared its end on February 22, with the title set to be decided between Ayan Allahverdiyeva and Ulviyya Fataliyeva.