The KazChess Masters Almaty tournament began in Kazakhstan with two wins for international grandmasters in the first round. Igor Kovalenko and Sam Shankland took early leads after defeating their opponents.
The ten-player single round-robin event pairs five established grandmasters with five rising Kazakhstani players. It is organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and features classical time controls.
In round one, Igor Kovalenko defeated Alexander Donchenko in an attacking game. Sam Shankland beat local player Aldiyar Ansat by converting an endgame advantage with two rooks and an extra pawn.
The tournament runs in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Similar events were held in November last year and March this year.