BUDAPEST—Azerbaijan’s men’s and women’s chess teams secured victories in the second round of the 45th World Chess Olympiad, reinforcing their positions as leaders in the tournament.

According to Trend News Agency, the Azerbaijani men’s team faced Finland and dominated the match, replicating their initial success with a 3.5:0.5 win. Aydin Suleymanli held Toivo Keinanen to a draw, while teammates Nijat Abasov, Rauf Mammadov, and Muhammad Muradli each secured victories against their Finnish opponents.

The women’s team encountered Australia and achieved a 3:1 score by winning two games and drawing two. Gunay Mammadzada and Khanim Balajayeva won their matches, contributing crucial points to their team’s success, while Govhar Beydullayeva and Gulnar Mammadova each secured a draw.

These results place both Azerbaijani teams in the forefront of their groups, each accumulating 4 points after two consecutive wins. In the previous round, the men’s team defeated Jordan with a similar score of 3.5:0.5, and the women’s team showcased a robust performance against Nicaragua, winning 4:0.

This strong start positions the Azerbaijani teams as formidable contenders as the Olympiad progresses, underlining their preparedness and strategic prowess in the international chess arena.