Ulviyya Fataliyeva chases the leader at the European Championship and will face her Turkish opponent

Azerbaijani chess player Ulviyya Fataliyeva is chasing the leader after winning her third victory at the individual European Women's Championship held in Batumi (Georgia).

Idman.Biz reports that Fataliyeva won over Anna Kazaryan in the fifth round of the continental championship.

After five rounds, the Azerbaijani chess player has 4 points. Although she shares 2nd–14th places, she is ranked sixth based on additional indicators. The group of pursuers is separated from the sole leader, Turkish Elif Aydin, by only half a point. Moreover, Fataliyeva has a chance to deprive her of first place, as she will face Aydin in the sixth round.

Let us remind you that Ulviyya became the first Azerbaijani chess player to achieve this success by winning the European Women's Championship in 2024. Among men, no Azerbaijani chess player has yet won the European chess crown.

At the same time, Gunay Mammadzada failed to maintain her position in the top ten. Mammadzada, who made a successful start after scoring 3.5 points out of a possible 4 points after four rounds, lost to Olivia Kiolbasa in the fifth round and dropped to 18th place with the same 3.5 points.

Among Azerbaijani chess players, Narmin Abdinova (39th place), Gulnar Mammadova (60th place) and Govhar Beydullayeva (64th place) scored 3 points each.

Let us add that according to the results of the European Championship, the chess players who take the first ten places will qualify for the 2027 World Cup.