Alexey Sarana commented on his victory at KazChess Masters Almaty 2026. Alexey says the tournament was difficult for him, and notes the level of women’s chess in Kazakhstan.

Alexey Sarana

Alexey Sarana

Serbia's No. 1

“Until the last day, everything was unclear, and in the last two rounds I was not among the leaders, there were other leaders…

But I managed to convert two games at the finish and unexpectedly that was enough to win. The tournament was very difficult for me. Somewhere I risked losing, but everything worked out.

I have played many times in Kazakhstan, the progress is noticeable, many young chess players are growing. And in this tournament, I played with Alua Nurman and I had a lost position, it is clear that women’s chess is at a very high level.”

KazChess Masters Almaty 2026 took place from June 29 to July 8 at the Chess Empire Chess Club. Alexey Sarana and Alexander Donchenko scored 6 points each in the Round-Robin. Sarana won the tournament with a higher tiebreak score. Alexey did not lose a single game in the tournament and earned $15,000.

Credit: KazChess