The leaders of Azerbaijan's men's and women's national teams are set to enter the fray at the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the national teams have announced their line-ups for the second round of the Olympiad, with Azerbaijan's men's team facing the Philippines and the women's team taking on Denmark.
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who was rested in the opening round, will take his place on the top board for the men's team today. Rauf Mamedov will sit out the second round.
In the women's team, Ulviyya Fataliyeva will make her first appearance at the tournament after being rested on the opening day. Govhar Beydullayeva has been given a rest this time.
The pairings for the Azerbaijan – Philippines match in the Open section are as follows:
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2720) – Michael Concio Jr. (2405)
Aydin Suleymanli (2664) – Paulo Bersamina (2398)
Mahammad Muradli (2653) – Daniel Quizon (2414)
Eltaj Safarli (2616) – Jan Emmanuel Garcia (2444)
The following players will face each other in the Denmark – Azerbaijan match in the women's section:
Sara Sima Derlich (2107) – Ulviyya Fataliyeva (2402)
Ellen Kakulidis (2088) – Gunay Mammadzada (2351)
Esmat Susanne Gindi (2041) – Khanim Balajayeva (2356)
Sofie Bech Dürrfeld (2007) – Gulnar Mammadova (2311)
Azerbaijan made a perfect start to the Olympiad, with both the men's and women's teams recording 4-0 victories in the first round. The men's team defeated Morocco, while the women's side swept Guatemala.
The biggest surprises of the opening round came in the Open section. Perhaps the most notable result was recorded in the match between Brazil and Botswana. Despite having a significant rating advantage, the Brazilians were held to a 2-2 draw.
There were also several unexpected individual setbacks for highly rated players. India's Arjun Erigaisi (2759) suffered a surprise defeat against Thailand's Prin Laohawirapap (2363), although India still won the match 3-1.
Levon Aronian (2725) was held to a draw by Iraq's Ali Ehsan Aryan (2163), despite a rating gap of more than 500 points between them. The United States nevertheless secured a 3.5-0.5 victory.
Hungary also faced a tough challenge before overcoming Malta 2.5-1.5. Benjamin Gledura (2620) lost to Matthew Portelli (2187), while Tamas Banusz (2587) drew with Attila Robert Novak (2144).
The Netherlands also dropped points on individual boards but managed to beat Hong Kong 3-1.
Most of the leading teams ultimately secured victories in the opening round, although several top players have already suffered unexpected setbacks at the Olympiad.
