International chess tournament kicks off in Baku, 13 Azeri players win already - UPDATE

The first day of the international tournament “Baku Open-2011” saw thirteen Azerbaijani chess players win their games.

Anar Allahverdiyev, Sarkhan Guliyev, Ayaz Mammadov, Logman Guliyev, Rauf Mammadov, Nijat Agayev, Narmin Khalafova, Nijat Abbasov, Ulvi Bajarani, Shahriyar Hasanov, Eltaj Safarli, Elnur Aliyev and Izzat Kanan outplayed their rivals, while the games of Orkhan Abdulov, Khayala Isgandarova, Sanan Dovlatov, Tabriz Idrisov, Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Rasul Ibrahimov, Kanan Heydarov and Shujayat Orujov ended in a draw.

The tournament brings together 77 chess players from 17 countries.
The contest is held by the Swiss system in nine rounds.

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An opening ceremony of the International Chess Tournament “Baku Open-2011” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s independence was held at the Novkhani AF HOTEL here on Saturday.

Opening ceremony started with Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Ismayil Ismayilov`s welcome speech.

Ismayilov praised Azeri chess players` victory in Novi-Sad, Serbia and other successes in the world arena.

“Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev successfully continues national leader Heydar Aliyev`s policy. “State Program for development of chess in Azerbaijan in 2009-2014” order issued by Ilham Aliyev is evaluated as the first program in the history of chess,” Ismayilov said.

Vice-president of Azerbaijani Chess Federation Faig Hasanov provided information on tournament`s rules.

The tournament brings together 77 chess players from 17 countries. The the Swiss system contest is held in nine rounds.


/AzerTAc/