Idman.biz
Yesterday, February 1, Azerbaijani grandmaster Aydin Suleymanli finished his performance in the traditional "Tata Steel Challengers" chess tournament held in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, and took third place. Although this is considered a worthy result, the chess player feels some disappointment. Because he led the tournament until the last round and was considered one of the main contenders for the win.
Before the last round, A.Suleymanli shared the first and second places with Andy Woodward from the USA, but he was ahead according to additional indicators. However, in the decisive game, the Azerbaijani chess player lost to Serbian Velimir Ivic.
Idman.Biz talked to Aydin Suleymanli about his performance in the Netherlands and his goals for 2026.
- How do you assess your performance in the Wijk aan Zee tournament?
- I performed well until the last round, and of course it is difficult to lose the championship in the last round, but I increased my rating by 10 points, so the tournament was not too bad for me.
- You were among the leaders throughout the tournament, sometimes even as the sole leader. What happened in the game where you lost to the Serbian chess player in the last round?
- I had to take risks to win, and I tried to do it, but I did it very badly and faced a heavy defeat in the last round. Unfortunately, the last game was one of the worst games I have played in recent years.
- Before the last round, you shared the first and second places with Andy Woodward. Did his game affect your match with Ivic?
- Actually, I didn't pay any attention to that game so that I wouldn't be distracted, I was just focused on my own game.
- In the 11th round, you suffered your first defeat in the tournament against the famous chess player Ivanchuk. Do you think this game was a key game that could affect the overall results of the tournament?
- No, I don't think so at all. I won the 12th game and rose to the leadership again. I think the only game that affected the overall competition was my last game.
- Which of the games you played in this tournament did you like the most and why?
- I liked my game against Markandria Maurizzi in the 12th round, I played attacking chess with black pieces and won with an interesting tactic in that game.
- Last year you shared the first and second places in this tournament, and this year you were third. Which tournament made a better impression on you?
- Last year's competition was more to my liking, I just couldn't win due to luck that year. This year's winner really deserved this championship.
- Unfortunately, you failed to qualify for the "Masters" tournament for the second time. What needs to be done to get an invitation to the main "Masters" tournament in Wijk aan Zee without going through the "Challenges" stage?
- There are many factors here actually, age and which country you are from are very important. For example, if you are from India, your chances of playing in this tournament are doubled (the sponsor of the competition is the Indian steel production company "Tata Steel" - Red.). Still, I think if I get close to a rating of 2700, I can get an invitation to this tournament.
- The Azerbaijan Chess Championship awaits you ahead. What are your expectations?
- I hope I can forget my last defeat here and perform better in the national championship.
- What goals have you set for yourself this year?
- My goal is to develop myself further every year and show a better game.
