The first round games were held in ShamkirChess2017 international chess tournament. Azerbaijani chess grandmaster Shariyar Mammadyarov won against the US representative Wesley So with black pieces.

Mammadyarov responded to questions of journalists at the press conference after the meeting that lasted for about 4 hours:”We watched an interesting match. Debut was “homework”. In fact I had prepared for a draw against Wesley So.  He is rating’s favorite of the tournament. One should be careful with him. Wesley So himself helped me to win. At the end of the party, he made a serious mistake. It is impossible not to see this mistake. Using that move I won. I am happy that I started Shamkir tournament with a victory. The opponent had the advantage. Therefore I was not thinking about the victory during the game.”

According to the press service of tournament, Sumgait Chess School’s Student explained his arrival to Shamkir with his friend, teammate Rauf Mammadov: “ Rauf Mammadov is my friend. For many years, we play together in national team. He is both watching the tournament in Shamkir and  helping me”.

Originally from Philippines Wesley So said that he had an advantage in the meeting with  Azerbaijani chess player Shahriyar Mammadyarov: "I had an advantage. I had to take a few precise moves for victory. Mammadyarov is a good player. He took advantage of the mistake. It is serious to lose with white figures. The last time I was defeated in tournament was in 2015 in the tournament held in Spain. I had not lost after Bilbao super tournament. My successful series have ended. There are 8 rounds ahead. The main fight is ahead.

Note that, Vugar Hashimov Memorial will end on April 30.