Bibisara Assaubayeva spoke about how she played at the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. Assaubayeva says she was upset that she didn’t win the tournament, and notes how her mother helped her.

Bibisara Assaubayeva

Bibisara Assaubayeva

Women's World No. 5

“Of course, I was very upset because I had a chance to qualify for the World Championship match. But I was happy with the fighting spirit I showed and the strong players I managed to beat.

I cried a lot at that time. I think I cried almost every day that month. When the tournament finished, I didn’t have the energy to do anything.

My mom helped me a lot. I wrote to her when I was struggling, and she reassured me that everything would be fine. She told me to focus on finishing the tournament well, and we began spending more time together.”

The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 took place from March 28 to April 15, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Bibisara Assaubayeva finished second in the tournament with 8/14 points. Assaubayeva earned €52,200 for the event.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE