Ashgabat hosted the grand finale of the Turkmenistan Chess Federation (TCF) Grand Prix from December 13 to 21. As the crowning event of the season, the tournament utilized an Olympic-style knockout (playoff) format, delivering high-stakes drama and intense competition for players and spectators alike.
Thirty-two elite players—16 in the Open and 16 in the Women’s category—competed in the FIDE-rated event. Beyond the prestige of the title, the stakes were high: the winners secured direct qualification for the 2026 Turkmenistan Major League.
A Strategic Milestone for Turkmen Chess
Launched for the first time this year, the Grand Prix series has become a cornerstone of the national chess strategy. By decentralizing competition, the format allows athletes across all provinces (velayats) to gain regular tournament practice and face the country’s top players without the logistical burden of constant travel. This initiative not only uncovers young talent early but also provides a robust, merit-based pathway for experienced professionals to reach the Major League.
Grand Prix Final Results
Women’s Category
- 1st Place: Leyla Shokhradova The student from the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshigeldy Kakaev dominated the field. She secured the title without needing a single tie-break, winning nearly every classical game and conceding only one draw to Jennet Yalkanova in the semifinals.
- 2nd Place: Ogulsurai Bayrambayeva A 4th-year student at the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Bayrambayeva showed immense composure. After a grueling semifinal against Gulmira Seyilkhanova, she secured her spot in the final through a decisive rapid tie-break.
- 3rd Place: Gulmira Seyilkhanova The 12th-grade student from Turkmenabad earned the “iron nerves” reputation of the tournament. In almost every round, Seyilkhanova fought back after losing her opening classical game to win the return match and prevail in rapid or blitz tie-breaks.
Open Category
- 1st Place: Amanmukhammet Hommadov The 2nd-year student at the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports swept the tournament with confidence. Experts already name him a top contender for gold in the 2026 Major League.
- 2nd Place: Shahrukh Turaev The Head Coach of the Turkmenistan National Women’s Team led by example. Showing that his competitive edge remains sharp, Turaev displayed masterclass skill throughout the bracket, falling only to Hommadov in the final.
- 3rd Place: Shageldi Kurbandurdyev The 11th-grader from Danev District provided the tournament’s biggest sensation. After comfortably winning his bronze-medal match against Azim Saryev, he was remembered for his stunning quarterfinal upset of Mergen Kakabaev, the favorite who had won three of the five qualifying stages.