FIDE World Junior Rapid Championship 2025: Suyarov and Balabayeva Win Titles
The FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship 2025 concluded in Lima with thrilling results. The tournament showcased the rising stars of global chess.
IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov from Uzbekistan won the Open section. WGM Xeniya Balabayeva from Kazakhstan claimed the Girls’ title. Both players impressed with their skill and determination.
The Open tournament was highly competitive. It included two grandmasters and several strong international masters. Going into the final ninth round, three Uzbek players—Suyarov, Mukhiddin Madaminov, and Khumoyun Begmuratov—shared the lead with 6.5/8 points. Six more players, including top seed GM Denis Lazavik, were just behind with 6/8.
In the final round, Madaminov drew with Maksim Tsaruk, while Lazavik defeated Begmuratov. Suyarov seized his chance to win the title. Playing White in a Ruy Lopez, he defeated Juan Jose Cano Alcaraz from Colombia. He finished with an impressive score of 7.5/9.
Four players tied for second place. Madaminov and Lazavik earned silver and bronze, thanks to superior Buchholz tiebreaks.
The Girls’ event was equally exciting. Xeniya Balabayeva had an early setback in round two against WFM Varvara Poliakova. But she bounced back with five consecutive wins to take the lead.
Peruvian Grandmaster Deysi Cori made a special appearance in the final round. She performed the ceremonial first move. Her presence inspired the young players and added a special touch to the closing day.
Before the last round, Balabayeva led with 6.5/8 points, half a point ahead of her closest competitors. She played against WIM Afruza Khamdamova and reached a winning position but had to settle for a draw. The draw was enough to secure her title. Poliakova and Anna Zhurova split their points in a long battle.
Khamdamova and Poliakova earned silver and bronze, edging out Zhurova on tiebreaks.
The FIDE World Junior Rapid Championship 2025 highlighted the talent and determination of the next generation of chess stars.
Official Website: fidewj2025.com
Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
