In a dramatic final stage, Azerbaijani International Master Ulviyya Fataliyeva performed flawlessly to clinch the IV Women’s Chess Championship Masters title in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
The 10-player round-robin tournament, held from March 10–14, featured a competitive field with an average Elo of 2425. While much of the early attention was on top seeds like Nana Dzagnidze and Harika Dronavalli, it was IM Ulviyya Fataliyeva who demonstrated the best nerves in the closing rounds.
Entering the final stages, Fataliyeva trailed the tournament leader, GM Nana Dzagnidze. However, a powerful run of three consecutive victories allowed the Azerbaijani IM to leapfrog the Georgian player. Fataliyeva finished with a clear 6.5/9 points, securing first place and a 19-point rating gain, just a few weeks after claiming her maiden Azerbaijan Women’s Champion title. Dzagnidze, who led for much of the event, had to settle for second place with 6 points.
Youth and Experience
The event also highlighted the rising talent in Uzbekistan, as 17-year-old WGM Afruza Khamdamova secured a respectable 5/9. In contrast, top seed Stavroula Tsolakidou had a surprisingly difficult outing, ending the tournament at the bottom of the table.
Final Standings:
1 IM Ulviyya Fataliyeva AZE 2431 6.5
2 GM Nana Dzagnidze GEO 2469 6.0
3 GM Harika Dronavalli IND 2466 5.5
4 IM Leya Garifullina FID 2454 5.0
5 WGM Afruza Khamdamova UZB 2408 5.0
6 GM Olga Girya RUS 2389 4.5
7 WIM Umida Omonova UZB 2346 4.0
8 IM Yuliia Osmak UKR 2458 3.5
9 IM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova UZB 2347 2.5
10 IM Stavroula Tsolakidou GRE 2479 2.5
