For Kazakhstan’s chess player and three-time World Blitz Champion Bibisara Assaubayeva, winning her third world title was far from easy. According to the athlete, the level of competition rises every year, while tournament formats continue to become more demanding.
“From a chess perspective, my first world championship title was relatively the easiest. At that time, Chinese players did not participate in the tournament, and I secured victory with one round to spare. In the following years, the attitude toward me changed — my opponents began to see me as a much more serious player. As a result, the tournaments became significantly more difficult,” Bibisara said.
Her second world title held special meaning, as the tournament took place in her hometown of Almaty.
“Winning the title for the second time in a row on home soil was extremely important to me. The third championship, however, was the toughest. First of all, the tournament format changed. Previously, it was enough to win under the Swiss system, but this time the top four players competed in a knockout format. In addition, the tournament offered qualification for the Candidates Tournament. Reaching the final meant my main goal had already been achieved, but of course, I still wanted to win the match,” the chess player noted.
Assaubayeva said she was satisfied with her performance in both the semifinal and final and described the event as the most challenging of her three world championship victories.
She also spoke about her participation in the prestigious Wijk aan Zee tournament, one of the most renowned chess events in the world, which has been held for 88 consecutive years.
“Taking part in this tournament was a big dream for me. At the beginning of the year, there are not many high-level competitions. The event is very long and exhausting, both physically and mentally. Despite that, I am pleased with my performance — I managed to improve my rating and demonstrate a high level of play,” she said.
This year, Bibisara Assaubayeva will make history as the first Kazakhstani woman to compete in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, which will be held in Cyprus. Only eight players will take part in the competition.
“The importance of this tournament is immense. I am happy to represent Kazakhstan at such a high level for the first time. The lineup is very strong: three players from India, and two each from Russia and China. I have already begun my preparation. My goal is to win this tournament as well,” the athlete stated.
Speaking about her preparation, Assaubayeva said she trains for 8-9 hours a day.
“I have my own team, and the training process is very intensive. I returned to training almost immediately after the World Championship. I believe this will be a strong foundation for the upcoming events. All of my opponents are extremely strong,” she said.
When asked about psychological readiness, Bibisara noted that nervousness is natural for any athlete.
“There is always a bit of nervousness before a game — that is normal. But once the match begins, it disappears, and my full focus shifts to the board,” said the three-time World Champion.
According to Bibisara Assaubayeva, chess has become an inseparable part of her life.
“Today, chess is practically my life. If I stay at home for about a month, I start to miss it a lot. Of course, I enjoy spending time with my family, but chess is a special world where I feel truly comfortable. That’s why it has become such a big part of my life,” she concluded.
