On September 5-6, AlmaU hosted the Chess Pak Family city chess tournament, where participants had the opportunity to achieve the standards for the 2nd and 1st sports categories and the Candidate Master of Sports (CMS) title.
The tournament brought together a strong field of participants, including World and Asian champions, titled chess players, promising young players, veterans, bloggers, and chess promoters.
For AlmaU, chess is an important part of the university environment and the development of intellectual culture. As part of its commitment to supporting talented young people, the university continues to develop its chess activities. In April 2026, AlmaU opened a new chess room in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, creating a space for students and staff to train, meet, and develop the university’s chess community.
Participants included:
- IM Imanqali Akhilbai — Kazakhstan U18 Champion;
- FM Aldiyar Zharas — 2026 World Blitz Champion U14;
- FM Nurasyl Zhumabek — World Amateur Champion U2000;
- FM Dinmukhammad Tulendinov — World School Champion U7;
- FM Sultanbeybarys Dumanuly — Asian Champion U16;
- IM Murat Zhunusov — World Champion among chess players with visual impairments;
- CM Daniyar Medybayev — Kazakhstan U18 Champion;
- CM Bekarys Tursunali — Kazakhstan U18 Championship medalist;
- WFM Adriana Sermukhamedova — Kazakhstan Championship medalist;
- CM Alikhan Nazarbek — Kazakhstan U10 Champion;
- Grigory Fyodorov (Grigory Mastrider) — chess player, blogger, and chess promoter;
- Dilaila Sadvakasova — chess player, chess promoter, and Kazakhstan Blitz Champion.
Tournament Results
Overall standings:
1st place — Utegaliyev Azamat
2nd place — Akhilbai Imanqali
3rd place — Zharas Aldiyar
4th place — Zhumabek Nurasyl
5th place — Medybayev Daniyar
Under 1900 rating:
1st place — Satekov Daniyal
2nd place — Svarov Ilkham
Under 1700 rating:
1st place — Keulimzhai Ilyas
2nd place — Atamuratov Yelubai
3rd place — Akparzhan Aikyn
Unrated category:
1st place — Abi Daryn
2nd place — Temirbulatov Amirlаn
3rd place — Zhumakhan Batyr
Best result among women in the overall standings:
1st place — Seidulla Aselyai
Best result among veterans:
1st place — Zhunusov Murat
2nd place — Blokhin Alexey
Special Nominations
Best Player Under 8 — Okonova Avrora
Fighting Spirit Award — Kusherbayeva Alma
Lucky Prize — Dabeyev Bauyrzhan
Special recognition goes to Batyr Zhumakhan, who is only 6 years old. Despite his young age, he took part in the strong tournament and finished third in the unrated category.
Chess Standards Achieved
Following the tournament, the following standards were achieved:
- Daniyal Satekov — Candidate Master of Sports (CMS);
- Alma Kusherbayeva — 2nd sports category;
- Bauyrzhan Dabeyev — 2nd sports category.
Congratulations to all Chess Pak Family participants and prize winners on their achievements! We wish them new victories, exciting games, and continued success at the chessboard.