GM Ian Nepomniachtchi Wins 10th Edition of Gashimov Memorial in Susha, Azerbaijan

GM Ian Nepomniachtchi emerged victorious in the 10th edition of the Gashimov Memorial, held in Susha, Azerbaijan. The Russian grandmaster, participating in the tournament for the first time, outperformed GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to claim the title.

The Gashimov Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Azerbaijani GM Vugar Gashimov, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 27, has been a prestigious event in the chess world. Originally a classical tournament held in Shamkir, Azerbaijan, it transitioned into a rapid and blitz format in recent years, with the 2024 edition taking place in Susha.

Nepomniachtchi’s impressive performance in the rapid segment, despite a surprising loss to Rauf Mamedov, set the stage for his overall victory. The blitz rounds saw intense competition, with local players like Aydin Suleymanli showcasing their skills against the tournament winner.

Notable mentions from the event include GM Richard Rapport’s struggles and the absence of players like Hans Niemann and Vidit Gujrathi, who had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Gashimov Memorial, held from September 26-28, 2024, featured thrilling chess battles and honored the legacy of Vugar Gashimov. Fans can relive the excitement of the tournament by replaying the games online. Congratulations to Ian Nepomniachtchi on his well-deserved victory in this prestigious event.