Kazakhstan’s Chess Players Win Bronze at the World Senior Team Chess Championship, DKnews.kz reports.
On February 26, 2025, the FIDE World Senior Team Chess Championship 2025 concluded in Prague. The Kazakhstan national team secured bronze medals in the 50+ age category, demonstrating outstanding skill and fighting spirit.
Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, praised the team’s performance:
"Our seniors' impressive performance at the World Team Championship in Prague once again showcased the strength and mastery of Kazakhstan’s chess school. Winning bronze in a fierce competition against the best grandmasters from 28 countries is an incredible achievement! This result is not only inspiring but also motivates our younger generation of players. I sincerely congratulate our senior players and wish them even more victories in the ongoing chess season" Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation
Tournament Highlights
The national team featured grandmasters Murtas Kazhgaleyev, Pavel Kotsur, and Serikbai Temirbayev, as well as international masters Yerlan Tikzhanov and Valery Min. The team was captained by grandmaster Pyotr Kostenko. In the final round, the Kazakhstanis secured third place in the tournament by drawing against England-1.
In the 50+ category, Kazakhstan, the USA, and Italy led the standings with 13 team points before the last round. Germany ("Confluence") and Hungary were also in contention for the gold medal. The decisive match against England-1 was a tense battle.
Initially, Kazakhstan fell behind in the score, but Serikbai Temirbayev, playing Black, confidently defeated Peter Wells, equalizing the match. Pavel Kotsur and Yerlan Tikzhanov played intense games—Kotsur claimed victory, while Tikzhanov lost, resulting in a drawn match and securing the bronze medal for the team.
Kazakhstan’s Teams and Women's Performance
Kazakhstan was represented by three teams: two in the 50+ category and one in the 65+ category.
The women’s national team finished fourth in the 50+ women’s category. Despite a determined effort, they lost the decisive round to Zuid-Limburg (Netherlands) with a score of 1.5–2.5.
Historical Background
The World Senior Team Chess Championship for players over 50 was first held in 2004 on the Isle of Man. Since 2014, it has been conducted regularly. The 2025 tournament featured 108 teams from 28 countries, including 49 grandmasters and 57 international masters.
For Kazakhstan’s senior team, this was their debut appearance, and they immediately achieved a podium finish. This success reaffirms the high level of Kazakhstan’s chess school and opens new opportunities for the country’s players on the global stage.
Final Standings (50+ category):
- USA – 15 team points, 24 individual points
- Italy – 15, 23
- Kazakhstan – 14, 24
- England-1 – 12, 24.5
- England-2 – 12, 24
This remarkable achievement by Kazakhstan’s chess players is a significant milestone that strengthens the country’s position in the global chess community and inspires new generations of athletes to pursue future victories.
