The first games of the Round of 16 have taken place at the Azerbaijan Chess Championship.

According to Offsideplus.az, the tournament's top seed Shakhriyar Mamedyarov drew his match against Murad Ibrahimli, while last year's champion Rauf Mamedov also settled for a draw against Shiroglan Talibov.

In other matches, Eltaj Safarli defeated Kamal Aghasiyev, Aydin Suleymanli beat Rahim Gasimov, Mahammad Muradli overcame Ravan Aliyev, Read Samadov defeated Pasham Alizade, and Ahmad Ahmadzada won against Vugar Rasulov. Notably, Nijat Abasov suffered a defeat in the first game against Khagan Ahmad.

All games in the women's competition ended with decisive results. Last year's champion Gunay Mammadzada defeated Narmin Kazimova, while European champion Ulviyya Fataliyeva won against Zahra Allahverdi.

In the remaining matches, victories were claimed by: Govhar Beydullayev, Khanim Balajayeva, Gulnar Mammadova, Turkan Mamedyarova, Ayan Allahverdiyeva, Sabina Ibrahimova

The return games of the Round of 16 will be played later today.