Report.az
I consider Shahriyar Mamedyarov the favorite of the competition.
"Report" reports that this was said by Azerbaijani chess player Eltaj Safarli in a statement to the federation's press service regarding the national championship.
The 32-year-old grandmaster touched upon his victory over Pasha Alizadeh (2:0) in the 1/16 finals:
"It was my first game. I faced a 14-year-old opponent. It wasn't that easy. I thought it would be easier, but the opponent didn't play badly. Yesterday's match could have ended in a draw. I won at the last moment."
E. Safarli recalled that titled chess players participated in the tournament:
"It will be very difficult. Surprise results may be recorded. I consider Shahriyar Mamedyarov the favorite. Every stage must be passed. If it doesn't work out, I take it normally. This is the strongest Azerbaijan championship in history."
