WGM Govhar Beydullayeva (pictured above) emerged as the 2023 Azerbaijan Women's Championship winner, successfully defending her title.

The Azerbaijan Women's Championship took place in Baku from February 03-14, 2023, with 11 participants competing in a round-robin.

After a discouraging start – the defending champion fell to WGM Khanim Balajayeva (pictured below) in the first-round encounter – Govhar reeled off five straight wins and joined the leaders. In the end, it all came down to the final round, to which Beydullayeva and Balajayeva headed, sharing the top position.

Govhar scored a crucial victory over Turkan Mamedjarova and lifted the trophy as her main competitor managed only a draw against Narmin Abdinova and had to settle for silver. Khanim Balajayeva became the only player to defeat the champion and complete the tournament unbeaten.

Despite losing three games, Sabina Ibrahimova netted 6.5/10 and finished third.

Final standings:

Photo: Ceyhun Zeynalov

Official website: asf.org.az/