Leyla Shohradova, a student in the language training department of the International university of oil and gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, and Amanmuhammet Hommadov, a second-year student at the Turkmen state institute of physical education and sports, won the final stage of the Grand-prix series of the Chess federation of Turkmenistan (CFT), which concluded in Ashgabat.

The tournament brought together 32 chess players − 16 in the open category and 16 in the category of women− who competed in a single-elimination format. The competition was held using the FIDE international rating system. The winners of the final stage not only won prestigious titles but also the main prize of series − direct berths in the 2026 Turkmenistan Higher league.

Leyla Shohradova confidently dominated the category of women, avoiding tiebreaks. She defeated all her opponents in the main classical sets, drawing only once against Jennet Yalkanova in the semi-finals.

The silver medalist was 4^th year student Ogulsuray Bayrambayeva from the Turkmen state institute of physical education and sports. She confidently advanced to the finals, facing only a tough challenge in the semi-finals from Gulmira Seyilhanova, whom she defeated through additional rapid chess games.

G. Seyilhanova, a 12^th-grade student at the 41^st specialised secondary school in Turkmenabat, had to show character at almost every stage of the tournament. Gulmira reached the match for third place and won it thanks to nerves of steel, as she had to play additional rapid and blitz games due to equal results in classical games in all matches except the 1/8 finals. It is noteworthy that G. Seyilhanova always lost the first classical game, and then won back the next day, with the exception of the 1/8 finals.

Amanmuhammet Hommadov confidently won the open category tournament and earned the right to participate in the 2026 Higher league, where, according to many chess experts, he will be considered one of the main favourites for gold.

The silver medal went to the head coach of the Turkmenistan national team of the women, Shahruh Turayev, who also demonstrated a very high level of skill, losing only to the tournament winner. It is very valuable that he, as a coach, continues to compete in professional tournaments, setting an example of athleticism, tenacity and preparation for his players.

Shageldi Gurbandurdyyev, an 11^th-grade student at secondary school № 31 in the Danev etrap of the Lebap velayat, won bronze, confidently defeating Azim Saryyev in the match for third place. On the way to this success, Shageldi sensationally defeated Mergen Kakabayev in the quarterfinals, who had won three of the five qualifying stages of the Grand-prix and was considered the tournament favourite.

The Grand-prix series, which was held for the first time by the CFT this year, is of strategic importance for the development of chess in Turkmenistan. The new format provides athletes in all regions with regular tournament practice without having to travel to other cities, creates conditions for the strongest chess players of the country to compete in different regions, and expands competitive opportunities for local players. The series also facilitates the early identification of young talent and serves as an effective mechanism for qualifying experienced athletes for the Higher league.