(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21 . A solemn ceremony
of awarding the winners of the World Chess Cup was held in Baku,
trend reports.
First, the State Anthem of Azerbaijan and the official anthem of
the International Chess Federation (FIDE) were played.
In his speech at the closing ceremony, President of the
Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov congratulated the
winners of the World Chess Cup.
Speaking about the organization of the tournament at a high
level, he noted that Baku is in the center of attention of chess
lovers all over the world.
"We will continue our cooperation with the International Chess
Federation," Mammadov added.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted that a wonderful
tournament was organized jointly with the Ministry of Youth and
Sports and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, adding that the
Azerbaijani hospitality captivated all the participants and guests
of the World Chess Cup.
Touching upon Alexandra Goryachkina's victory at the World Chess
Cup, the FIDE President noted that the chess player conquered
everyone with her excellent game.
Then the awarding of the winners took place. The gold medal and
the cup of the tournament were awarded to Alexandra Goryachkina
(FIDE), the silver medal was awarded to Nurgul Salimova (Bulgaria),
the bronze medal was awarded to Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine). It should
be noted that the fourth place in the World Chess Cup was taken by
Tan Zhongyi (China).
The medals were presented by Azerbaijani Youth and Sports
Minister Farid Gayibov, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and
President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov.
The starting list of the World Chess Cup of the International
Chess Federation (FIDE) in Baku included 206 chess players in the
open section and 103 in the women's section.
For the second time, Azerbaijan is hosting the Chess World Cup.
For the first time, the top three competitors from the open and
women's categories will earn a spot in the 2024 Men's Candidates
Tournament and Women's Candidates Tournament, respectively.
On the competition's official website, matches from the FIDE
World Cup 2023 are broadcast in both Azerbaijani and English.
Up through August 25th, competitions will be held. The winning
prize stands at $2.5 million.
The World Chess Cup is held at Marriott Boulevard Hotel in
Baku.
Azerbaijan is represented by a team of 17 chess players,
including Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Teymur Rajabov, Gunay Mammadzade,
Rauf Mammadov, Gadir Huseynov, Vasif Durarbayli, Nijat Abbasov,
Abdulla Gadimbayli, Misratdin Isgandarov, Muhammad Muradli, Vugar
Asadli, Riad Samadov, Aydin Suleymanli, Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Gulnar
Mammadova, Khanim Balajayeva, and Govhar Beydullayeva.