The main chess tournament of the year — the Turkmenistan Championship Premier League — has kicked off in Ashgabat. The competition is being held at a specialized chess and checkers school and will run until February 11. This stage is decisive, as it will determine the players who will represent the country at the 47th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Open Category: Stars of National Chess

In the open (men’s) division, eight of the strongest players are competing for places on the national team. Since rating leaders Saparmurat Atabayev and Meylis Annaberdiyev have already secured their spots, the remaining participants are contesting three available positions.

The battle for the national chess crown brings together top-ranked players: reigning national champion Vepaly Halynyyazov, Grand Prix series winner Amanmuhammet Hommadov, Federation Cup medalist Ahmet Gubatayev, and experienced International Master Karen Grigoryan.

They are challenged by ambitious players promoted from the First League: qualification winner Gurbanmyrat Rustemov (the youngest participant at 16), as well as medalists Ilhan Charyyev and Shahruh Turayev. Special attention is drawn to Leyla Shohradova, the leader of the women’s rating, who has decided this season to compete against men in the overall standings.

Women’s Category: A Clash of Young Talents

In the women’s section of the Premier League, the average age of participants is just 18. Four spots in the Olympic national team are at stake. Among the main contenders are national champion Jahan Rejepova and rating favorite Lala Shohradova.

They are joined by national championship medalists Gulmira Seyilhanova and Ogulsuray Bayrambayeva. Completing the field are the best players from the First League: Mahri Agamuradova, Ayshe Gubatayeva, Mahrijemal Gurbangeldiyeva, and the youngest participant of the championship — 12-year-old Dilber Hupbayeva.

The 2026 Premier League stands out for its unique age range: there is a 60-year gap between the oldest participant, 72-year-old Karen Grigoryan, and the youngest, 12-year-old Dilber Hupbayeva. For fans, this offers a rare opportunity to witness a clash between classical chess traditions and a new generation of talents who will soon be defending Turkmenistan’s prestige on the global stage.

ORIENT