Alua Nurman Triumphs in First Qualifier for 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship

Seventeen-year-old Alua Nurman of Kazakhstan emerged victorious in the first qualifier for the 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship after dominating the Knockout stage of the first Play-In. Nurman defeated IM Anastasia Bodnaruk in the finals with a 4-2 score, showcasing her exceptional skills on the chessboard.

Nurman’s path to victory was paved with impressive wins, as she blanked WFM Shubhi Gupta in the semifinals with a commanding 4-0 score. On the other hand, Bodnaruk showcased her prowess by defeating IM Deysi Cori with the same score in the semifinals. Bodnaruk had also excelled in the preliminary Play-In Swiss, scoring 9.5 points from 11 rounds.

In an interview following her win, Nurman shared that she is a university student pursuing a career as a Graphic Designer. She attributed her success in the tournament to her ability to maintain strong concentration and a calm mindset, even under pressure.

The next qualifier for the event, Play-In 2, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 14, starting at 9:00 a.m. ET / 15:00 CEST / 6:30 p.m. IST. The Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship is a prestigious event where top female chess players compete for a $75,000 prize fund. The main event features 16 players in a single-elimination bracket, playing at various time controls.

Nurman’s impressive performance in the qualifier has set the stage for an exciting main event, where she will face off against other top contenders in the world of women’s chess. Stay tuned for more updates on the Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship as the competition heats up.