The Chess Federation of Turkmenistan Cup took place in Ashgabat from October 23 to November 1. Each year, the competition attracts an increasing number of enthusiasts and professionals from across the country; while 285 people participated in 2024, this year the event drew 364 chess players.

The competition featured three disciplines—classical chess, rapid, and blitz—and brought together promising young players, experienced masters, and chess veterans.

One of the key figures of the Cup was Amanmuhammet Hommadov, who secured victories in two separate disciplines within Group A — classical chess and rapid chess — according to a press release from the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan (ShFT). In the classical tournament, he scored 9.5 points out of a possible 11, demonstrating a high level of preparation and consistent play.

Shahruh Turayev, head coach of the Turkmenistan women’s national team, took the silver medal with a score of 8,5 points. Third place went to Ilkhan Charyyev, who also finished with 8,5 points.

In the classical tournament of the STANDARD-B group, Tachmyrat Serdarov emerged as the winner, scoring 10 points. Abdulla Charyyev took second place with 9,5 points, while Emine Tokgayeva finished third with 9 points.

In the RAPID-A group, following Amanmuhammet Hommadov (9 points), the top spots were taken by Orazaly Shihaliyev with 8,5 points and Ilhan Charyyev with 8 points.

In the RAPID-B group, Tachmyrat Serdarov once again distinguished himself, securing victory with a total of 10 points. Abdulla Charyyev took the silver (9 points), while Nurmuhammet Azymov earned the bronze (9 points).

In the BLITZ-A group, victory went to Mergen Kakabayev—FIDE Master and General Secretary of the country’s Chess Federation—who scored 9,5 points. Leyla Shohradova took second place (9 points), while Ahmet Gubatayev finished third with 8,5 points.

In the BLITZ-B group, Aynur Batyrova emerged as the winner with a score of 10 points. Nurmuhammet Azymov took second place (9,5 points), and Azat Rejepov finished third with 9 points.

In addition to the main tournament categories, the organizers introduced separate divisions for veterans for the first time, making the competition even more diverse and inclusive.

In the 65+ category, the winner was International Master Karen Grigoryan—a champion of Turkmenistan and one of the country’s strongest chess players—who finished with 7 points. Mamedanna Khalymov took second place (5 points), and Myrat Yakubov came in third (5 points).

In the 50+ category, Akmeret Kakaliyev took first place (4,5 points), Gaygysyz Tagiyev took second (4,5 points), and Kamil Romanov took third (4 points).