Asian Zonal 3.4 Championship 2025: First Round Highlights
The Asian Zonal 3.4 Chess Championship 2025 began on April 2nd in Almaty, Kazakhstan at the Atakent Exhibition Centre. This tournament is a qualifier for the World Chess Cup.
Zone 3.4 includes six countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. A total of 131 players (87 men and 44 women) are competing. They are battling for seven qualification spots—three for the Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, and four for the Open World Cup in New Delhi, India.
Opening Ceremony: A Grand Start
The event opened with speeches by several important figures:
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Mukhtar Mukanov from Almaty’s Sports Department
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Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of KazChess
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Husan Turdialiev, Chief Arbiter and President of FIDE Zonal Council 3.4
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Baglan Musin, President of Freedom Shapaghat
Symbolic first moves were made by consuls and officials from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Early Upsets and Strong Performances
The first surprise came when 18-year-old FM Yerlan Tleukhanov (2143) from Kazakhstan held GM Abdimalik Abdisalimov (2525) from Uzbekistan to a draw—from a strong position!
Other top players in the men’s section lived up to expectations and won their games. These include:
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GM Mukhiddin Madaminov
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GM Ortik Nigmatov
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IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov
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IM Saparmurat Atabayev
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GM Alisher Suleymenov
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IM Zhandos Agmanov
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IM Aldiyar Ansat
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IM Arystanbek Urazayev
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GM Ramazan Zhalmakhanov
Women’s Section: Top Seeds Win, but Not Without a Fight
In the women’s section, the top seven seeds won their games. These included:
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WGM Alua Nurman
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IM Meruert Kamalidenova
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WGM Xeniya Balabayeva
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WGM Liya Kurmangaliyeva
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WIM Assel Serikbay (Kazakhstan)
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WIM Afruza Khamdamova
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WIM Umida Omonova (Uzbekistan)
Some wins were hard-fought. Balabayeva battled until 8:30 PM against Anel Muratova (1900) before securing her win.
Young Talents Shine
A fascinating match was between two 15-year-olds:
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WCM Yasmina Alemanova (1844)
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WFM Zarina Nurgaliyeva (2199)
Though Zarina is higher-rated and a FIDE Master, Yasmina held her to a draw with a perpetual check.
Another notable game saw 18-year-old WFM Ayaulym Kaldarova (2179) draw against WCM Deniza Kurmanalina (1837)—a game that showed the rising strength of young players.
Stay tuned for more updates as the battle for World Cup spots continues in Almaty!
Photos: Yevgeniy Kim, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
