Second leg of FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-2025 kicks off in Shymkent

Kazakhstan has emerged as a powerhouse in women’s chess, proudly represented by stars like Bibisara Assaubayeva, a two-time Women’s World Blitz Chess Champion, and the Kazakh women’s team, who recently claimed silver at the 2024 FIDE Olympiad. It is thus fitting that Kazakhstan hosts the second leg of the prestigious FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, a cornerstone competition in the women’s chess calendar.

Starting October 30, 2024, ten of the world’s top female players will compete in Shymkent in a round-robin format, vying not only for victory but also for crucial Grand Prix points that impact their qualification for the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament. This elite lineup includes renowned players such as Bibisara Assaubayeva, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Stavroula Tsolakidou, Humpy Koneru, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Nurgyul Salimova, Batkhuyag Munguntuul, Elisabeth Paehtz, and Divya Deshmukh. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, fans can anticipate a thrilling display of skill and intense games.

The tournament commenced with an elegant opening ceremony at the Rixos Khadisha Hotel, where the playing hall is located. The evening opened with a captivating traditional dance, followed by a tribute to each participant. Players were invited to the stage as their achievements were announced, each donning attire by renowned designer Aida Kaumenova, inspired by Kazakh traditions.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation Marat Yessenov, and Shymkent’s First Deputy Akim Kuanysh Asylov, all of whom addressed the audience with inspiring words.

President Dvorkovich expressed his hopes for fierce competition and commended Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in the chess world, stating, “Kazakhstan’s success story is the culmination of joint efforts by the government, regional authorities, the Chess Federation, and supporters across the chess community. I hope this model inspires others globally.”

Kuanysh Asylov, in his remarks, thanked FIDE for selecting Shymkent as the host city. “For our city with more than 2000 years of chess tradition, this is a great honor. We have many chess clubs in our city, and chess as a subject is taught in schools. All this is a merit of our cooperation with the International Chess Federation and the results of support from the country’s leadership.”

In addition to speeches and performances, the ceremony featured a fashion show by Aida Kaumenova, showcasing designs that echo the strategic and artistic elements of chess.

The evening was a spectacular celebration of Kazakh chess passion and a fitting tribute to the players. Round 1 begins Wednesday at 15:00 local time, with a time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one.

Round 1 Pairings:
Kateryna Lagno vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
Divya Deshmukh vs. Humpy Koneru
Tan Zhongyi vs. Elisabeth Paehtz
Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs. Stavroula Tsolakidou
Nurgyul Salimova vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

For more information about the event, including news, images, regulations, pairings, and games, please visit womengrandprix.fide.com/

Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Konstantin Chalabov