Daniil Dubov Takes Lead at KazChess Masters

Daniil Dubov has emerged as the sole leader at the KazChess Masters in Almaty, achieving consecutive victories in rounds five and six. The Russian grandmaster now holds 4½ points from 6 games, leading by half a point over Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Denis Lazavik.

The tournament began with Kazakh players Edgar Mamedov and Denis Makhnev at the forefront, both reaching 2½ points from 3 games. However, in the fourth round, Lazavik joined the leaders after defeating Vokhidov, while Mamedov and Makhnev drew their matches. Notably, 14-year-old Mark Smirnov also secured his second consecutive win against Sauat Nurgaliyev.

In rounds five and six, all three top-rated players—Mahammad Muradli, Dubov, and Vokhidov—achieved victories. Muradli, who had a rocky start, managed to recover with two wins, while Dubov remained undefeated. Lazavik, the only other unbeaten player, drew both his games and is now tied for second with Vokhidov. Mamedov and Makhnev, the initial leaders, have both faced their first losses and now sit at 3½ points. The upcoming seventh round will see the frontrunners competing with the black pieces.