2 rounds before the end of Najhchevan tournament is a very tense situation. 8 players are leading the tournament with 5-5 points, Levan Pantsulaia a champion of Georgian among men (2008,  ranking 2556) is among leaders.

In the seventh round, Pantsulaia beat Belarusian Sergey Zhigalko (2656), as for the next match, he will play against Gadir Guseinov (Azerbaijan, 2623) with black pieces.

Besides Pantsulaia and Guseinov, Igor Kurnosov (Russia, 2649), Aleksey Aleksandrov (Belarus, 2604), Eltaj Safarli (Azerbaijan, 2644), Aleksandr Shimanov (Russia, 2639), Aleksander Khalifman (Russia, 2614) and Bartlomey Machieia (Poland, 2608) are also leaders.

There are 4 Georgian participants at Azerbaijani tournament, but only these players have chance for medal: 18. Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2640)- 4.0 points, 22. Giga Kuparadze (2489)- 4.0; 28. Zurab Javakhadze (2448)- 4.0; 41.  Bachana Morchishvili (2377)- 3.0.

The Azerbaijani tournament is based on Swiss system and it will end up on May 1. Prize money of the tournament is 60 000 USD. Champion will win 10 000 USD. The prize money will be distributed to 30 chess players.