13-Year-Old Kazakh Chess Star Becomes Two-Time World Youth Champion

Mark Smirnov, a 13-year-old chess talent from Almaty, Kazakhstan, has secured his second world title at the 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships in Albania, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (Kazchess) announced, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazinform.

Smirnov triumphed in the under-14 (U14) category, finishing ahead of Chinese favorite Jiang Haochen. In the decisive final round, he played White against Poland’s Piotr Brzezina, forcing his opponent to resign on move 34 and securing the championship title.

Last year, Smirnov won the World U12 Championship. Moving up an age group this year, he once again demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency among the world’s top young players. With this victory, Smirnov also achieved his second International Master (IM) norm, marking another major milestone in his career.