Chief Arbiter Discusses Khankendi Tournament, Mammadov's Chances, and Importance of the Tournament

Chief arbiter of the 11th Vugar Gashimov Memorial tournament, Rauf Hajili, spoke about the competition to be held in Khankendi. Sport24.az reports that R. Hajili said that the tournament will be interesting and held in a tense competitive environment, and that he believes in our representative Rauf Mammadov:

"Yan Nepomniachtchi, one of the strongest chess players in the world, is also participating in this competition. Our compatriot Rauf Mammadov demonstrates a very strong game as time control decreases. He can compete with the world's leading chess players. In this regard, I believe that Rauf Mammadov is one of the candidates for the championship."

The chief arbiter of the tournament also spoke about the inclusion of the Memorial in the list of qualifying stages for the world championship: "The fact that the Memorial is a qualifying stage for the FIDE world championship increases the responsibility of the participants. Success here will give the winner of the tournament additional privileges. In this regard, I think we will witness intense and interesting fights."

R. Hajili also spoke about the responsibility of holding the tournament in the liberated territories: "Visiting these territories, which we have longed for for 30 years, is a great event for every Azerbaijani. Restoration and construction work is underway in those territories. And only prestigious events are held. In this regard, the organization of the Memorial in Shusha last year and in Khankendi this time is an indication of the great respect and reverence for the memory of Vugar Hashimov. I also feel great pride for being invited to such an event."

Note that the 11th Vugar Hashimov tournament will start on December 9.