Kazakh grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva enters FIDE Women’s World top five

Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva has reached the top five in the women’s world rankings for the first time in her career. In the updated July rankings published by FIDE, she placed fifth.

The 22-year-old grandmaster earned 2,538 rating points, climbing two places compared with the previous edition of the rankings. In addition, Assaubayeva became the youngest player in the women’s world top five.

The rankings are topped by China’s Hou Yifan. Also in the top five are her compatriots Zhu Jiner, Lei Tingjie and reigning world champion Ju Wenjun.

The high ranking continues the Kazakh grandmaster’s successful season. In June, Assaubayeva won the prestigious Norway Chess Women 2026 tournament and moved to the top of the overall standings in the FIDE Women’s Circuit 2026–2027, strengthening her bid for a place in the next Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Previously, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Assaubayeva the Order of Barys (Second Class) for her contribution to the development of Kazakh sport and her outstanding achievements on the international stage.