Ten Azerbaijani chess players started the European Individual Championship with a victory.
Idman.Biz reports that the continental championship, which is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup, has started in Katowice, Poland. To qualify for this competition, you need to be in the top 20.
In the first round, 10 out of 13 Azerbaijani chess players won. Among them are Aydin Suleymanli, Mohammad Muradli, Nijat Abasov, Riad Samadov, Khazar Babazada, Vugar Manafov, Shahin Valiyev, Umid Aslanov, Govhar Beydullayeva and Suleyman Suleymanli.
Two more representatives of Azerbaijan, Shiroglan Talibov and Ali Zuganov, drew, and the only defeat was suffered by Khagan Ahmad, a student of Shahriyar Mammadyarov, the leading grandmaster of Azerbaijan.
The second round of the European Championship will be held today, and a total of 11 rounds are planned.