11-y.o. Kazakh became four times world chess champion

Kazakhstan chess-player Zhansaya Abdumalik, 11, won gold at the chess tournament held in Brazil and became the world champion for the fourth time, the tournament’s official website writes. Abdumalik played in Up to 12 age group and won 8 rounds out of 9. Kazakhstan team scored 8th place in the overall standing: 2 golden and 1 bronze medals. Bibisara Assaubayeva became a winner in Up to 8 age group. Bronze was awarded to Alibek Igambergenov who played in Up to 16 age group. 11-year-old Zhansaya Abdumalik have dedicated her victory to the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, Tengrinews.kz reports citing her PR-manager Aigerim Begaliyeva. 1,230 boys and girls from 80 countries participated in the tournament. Kazakhstan was represented by 18 players in age groups from 8 to 18 years old. “Zhansaya started well with 6 victories in a row, showing a good example to our players. Being one of rating favorites, she was expected to show very high-class playing, which Zhansaya did. Only a professional can show such good results at every championship. I think that Zhansaya has a bright chess future,” leading chess player, Asian champion Murtas Kazhgaleyev said. Meanwhile, according to Zhansaya, there were a lot of difficulties during the tournament, including the time difference and the humid climate in Brazil. “All my competitors know that I am the world champion and they sit down to play with me very determined, as if going for the last battle. That’s why I had to to my best and spend up to 4-5 hours at every game,” Abdumalik said. “I think I won thanks to my systematic approach, including 6-hour trainings with gross master, physical training and psychological preparedness for the game,” she added. According to her PR-manager, the girl also “had an opportunity to go to Brazil a week before the championship and train there”.