Kazakhstan Crowns 2025 Chess Champions in Astana
Woman FIDE Master Yelnaz Kaliyakhmet, 14, and Grandmaster Kazybek Nogerbek, 21, won the 2025 Kazakhstan Chess Championship held May 20–June 2 in Astana.
Kaliyakhmet became the youngest women’s national champion in the country’s history, finishing with 10 points out of 13. Zarina Nurgaliyeva, 15, took silver, and Meruert Kamalidenova claimed bronze.
Nogerbek secured his first national title after a dramatic tiebreak against GM Denis Makhnev, winning in the final Armageddon game. Aldiyar Ansat finished third.
The tournament highlighted rising talent and fierce competition, signaling a strong future for Kazakh chess.
Photo credit: Kazchess.kz.
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