Denis Lazavik shared his opinion on the participants of the KazChess Masters Almaty October 2026. Lazavik says that there are many talented players in Kazakhstan. Denis notes that 14-year-old IM Mark Smirnov achieved a Grandmaster norm.

Denis Lazavik

Denis Lazavik

Belarus' No. 1

“Kazakh chess players were behind the invited participants in rating, but many showed decent play and were able to raise their rating.

It is especially great that a 14-year-old chess player achieved a Grandmaster norm. This is a very serious result.

I know that chess is well supported in Kazakhstan, there are many promising and talented players here.”

The KazChess Masters Almaty October 2026 took place from October 26 to November 3, at the Time Square Business Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Denis Lazavik won the tournament with 6.5/9 points. Lazavik finished 0.5 points ahead of the runner-up Daniil Dubov.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE