The most important chess competition of the year, the Championship of Turkmenistan — Higher League, has concluded in Ashgabat. The competition, held in a double round-robin system with the participation of the country's strongest chess players, was full of intense moments.

Women's Results

In the women's competition, Lala Shokhradova (2109) confidently reaffirmed her title as the country's strongest female chess player by scoring 11.5 points out of a possible 14 and won the gold medal. Jahan Rejepova (2051) took the silver medal with 8 points, and Mahri Agamyradova (1926) claimed the bronze with 7.5 points.

The performance of 12-year-old talented chess player Dilber Khupbiýewa (1916) also deserves special mention. Scoring 6.5 points, she showed a steady game against experienced opponents and came very close to entering the national team.

Open Category Results

Amanmuhammet Khommadov (2269) managed to become the champion with 11 points. Wepaly Khalynyýazov (2194) took second place with 9.5 points. Shahrukh Turayev (2211) earned third place with 8.5 points.

Based on the results of the competition, Leyla Shokhradova and Ogulsuray Bayrambayeva were also included in the women's national team. The men's team was supplemented by the top-rated grandmasters Saparmyrat Atabayev and Meylis Annaberdyev.

The winners train at the specialized chess and checkers school in Ashgabat under the leadership of the Honored Coach of Turkmenistan, Serdar Annaberdyev.

Towards International Competition The national team of Turkmenistan will participate in the international tournament "Chess Crown of Russia" to be held in the Russian Federation from February 17 to 27. This competition will be one of the most important stages of preparation for the 46th World Chess Olympiad, which will take place in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) in September.