The winners of the FIDE World Chess Cup have been awarded in
Baku.
The State Anthem of Azerbaijan and the official anthem of the
International Chess Federation (FIDE) were played at the awarding
ceremony, followed by a video screening dedicated to the World
Chess Cup held in Baku, Azernews reports.
The Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov
addressed the awarding ceremony.
In his speech, Farid Gayibov highly appreciated the high-level
of event organization.
"With great pride, today we are closing the World Chess Cup in
Baku, which was organized at a high level. Azerbaijani chess player
Nijat Abasov pleased everyone with his result at the tournament,"
he said.
Farid Gayibov expressed gratitude to all participants of the
World Chess Cup and congratulated the winner and prize-winners.
The Minister of Youth and Sports also thanked the leadership of
the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for their trust in
holding the tournament in Azerbaijan.
The President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov
stressed that he feels pride and joy from holding this
tournament.
"The World Chess Cup in Baku will remain in the memory of
participants and fans with unforgettable chess games and will evoke
feelings of nostalgia. The tournament was in the center of
attention of the chess community, attracted the attention of a
record number of spectators, and became a real celebration of
chess," he said.
The President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation expressed
gratitude to the FIDE President for his trust in holding the
tournament, and gratitude to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and
Sports for their support. He expressed hope that this cooperation
will continue in the future.
Mahir Mammadov congratulated MagCarlsen on his victory and
wished him further success.
Speaking about the participation of Azerbaijani chess player
Nijat Abasov in the tournament, Mahir Mammadov outlined that he was
the first in history to take part in all eight rounds of the World
Chess Cup.
President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady
Dvorkovich noted the high level of organization of the World Chess
Cup in Baku.
"I express my gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev for the opportunity to hold the World Chess Cup in Baku. The
holding of the tournament in Azerbaijan will undoubtedly contribute
to the development of chess in the country, and the success of
Nijat Abasov is proof of this. Memories of it will remain in memory
for a long time for all participants and spectators of the World
Cup, and will give pleasant emotions," he stressed.
Norwegian GM and 16th world chess champion MagCarlsen took
first place at FIDE World Chess Cup. Indian Rameshbabu
Praggnanandhaa won silver, while Fabiano Caruana (U.S.) claimed
silver. Azerbaijani chess player Nijat Abasov took the third place
at the FIDE World Chess Cup.
In the Women's World Chess Cup, the first place went to
Alexandra Goryachkina (FIDE), Nurgul Salimova (Bulgaria) took
second place, while Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) ranked third.
The World Chess Cup was held in Azerbaijan for the second time.
Around 206 chess players took part in the open section and 103 in
the women's section as part of the FIDE World Cup.
Azerbaijani team included 17 chess players, including Shahriyar
Mammadyarov, Teymur Rajabov, Gunay Mammadzade, Rauf Mammadov, Gadir
Huseynov, Vasif Durarbayli, Nijat Abasov, Abdulla Gadimbayli,
Misratdin Isgandarov, Muhammad Muradli, Vugar Asadli, Riad Samadov,
Aydin Suleymanli, Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Gulnar Mammadova, Khanim
Balajayeva, and Govhar Beydullayeva.
The top three players from both the open and women's sections
qualified for the first time in the Men Candidates Tournament and
the Women Candidates Tournament of 2024.