The second leg of the FIDE Women's Grand Prix Series 2024-2025 - a prestigious tournament organized by KazChess/Kazakhstan Chess Federation with the support of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Freedom Holding Corp.- concluded with a grand ceremony in Shymkent, DKnews.kz reports.
After an intense 9-round competition, Alexandra Goryachkina (rating 2533), competing under the FIDE flag, secured a decisive victory in the second stage of the tournament, scoring 7 points. Former World Champion Tan Zhongyi (China, rating 2551) followed closely, finishing in second place with 6.5 points. Kazakhstan’s women team leader, silver medalist of the 45th Chess Olympiad, Bibisara Assaubayeva (rating 2487), once again secured a podium finish by taking third place.
"Shymkent, with its rich chess heritage, has become the venue for one of the most prestigious women’s tournaments under the FIDE banner. We are proud to host such high-level events, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position on the global chess stage and inspiring thousands of young athletes in the regions toward new achievements. The successful conclusion of this tournament is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between federations, authorities, and businesses in the name of fair victories and the development of this noble game" Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation
The tournament, which began in style on October 29 with a chess-themed women’s fashion show by designer Aida Kaumenova, captivated chess fans throughout all nine rounds. Ten renowned players, each with considerable tournament experience, competed in a round-robin format at the Rixos Khadisha hotel. Participants included grandmasters Tan Zhongyi (China, 2551), Alexandra Goryachkina (FIDE, 2533), Humpy Koneru (India, 2530), Elisabeth Paehtz (Germany, 2458), Kateryna Lagno (FIDE, 2527), and international masters Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan, 2487), Stavroula Tsolakidou (Greece, 2439), Divya Deshmukh (India, 2501), Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria, 2405), and Batkhuyag Munguntuul (Mongolia, 2344).
The closing ceremony on November 8 also took place in a festive atmosphere, attended by Shymkent's First Deputy Mayor Kuanysh Asylov, KazChess First Vice-President Darmen Sadvakasov, representatives from FIDE, the federation, its general partner Freedom Holding Corp., along with notable entrepreneurs and influencers.
"Today, we witnessed the successful conclusion of an international women’s chess tournament. This event was not just a sporting competition but also a platform for the development of chess, discovery of new talents, and establishment of friendly connections. I extend my gratitude for the fair play and outstanding achievements. The dedication and perseverance of each participant taught us many new lessons, and there is no doubt that these victories and defeats will pave the way to new accomplishments in the chess world" Kuanysh Asylov
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is notable for its substantial prize money. Each of the six stages offers a prize fund of €80,000, with the first-place winner receiving €18,000 and the second-place winner €13,000. The total prize fund for the entire series is a record-breaking $600,000, including $120,000, which will be distributed among the top ten players in the overall standings. The Grand Prix is not only valuable for its monetary rewards but also as an opportunity to increase ratings and, for the series winner, to qualify for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in 2026, bringing them one step closer to the world chess crown.
The final standings for the second stage of the 2024-2025 Women’s Grand Prix after 9 rounds are as follows:
- GM Alexandra Goryachkina (FIDE, 2533) – 7 points
- GM Tan Zhongyi (China, 2551) – 6.5 points
- IM Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan, 2487) – 5 points
- IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (Greece, 2439) – 5 points
- GM Humpy Koneru (India, 2530) – 4.5 points
- IM Divya Deshmukh (India, 2501) – 4.5 points
- GM Kateryna Lagno (FIDE, 2527) – 4 points
- IM Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria, 2405) – 3.5 points
- GM Elisabeth Paehtz (Germany, 2458) – 2.5 points
- IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (Mongolia, 2344) – 2.5 points
