WACC 2026: Aqil extends perfect run, Tulegenov regains sole lead in Klang

KLANG, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Round 6 of the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships 2026 concluded on the afternoon of November 9 at the KSL Esplanade Hotel, setting up a tense finale with three rounds still to play across the championship’s sections.

Open U2300

Amir Tulegenov reclaimed the outright lead after defeating CM Tran Pham Quang Minh of Vietnam with the black pieces in a clash between joint leaders. The result lifted Tulegenov to 5½/6, giving him a half-point cushion atop the standings.

Malaysia’s FM Genivan Genkeswaran and Colombia’s FM Nestor Favian Lozano Ramirez share second place on 5/6. Genkeswaran defeated Kazakhstan’s Adil Tkachyov, while Lozano Ramirez overcame Uzbekistan’s Avazbek Ishbaev.

Women’s U2300

Pavithra R V of India seized sole leadership of the ten-player round-robin with an unbeaten 5/6, scoring a victory with the black pieces against Mongolia’s WFM Saikhanchimeg Tsogtsaikhan.

Malaysia’s WCM Nithyalakshmi Sivanesan continued her strong showing with a win over India’s WCM Pooja Shree R, having already defeated previous leader WCM Mumtozbegim Mansurova earlier in the day. Nithyalakshmi joins Bulgaria’s WFM Patricie Naymanova and Uzbekistan’s WCM Mumtozbegim Mansurova on 4½/6.

Pavithra is set to face Nithyalakshmi in the decisive Round 7 encounter.

Open U2000

Aqil Ainuddin Naufal Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah strengthened his title charge with a sixth consecutive victory, defeating Anatoly Fridman competing under the FIDE flag with the black pieces. His flawless 6/6 record gives him a full-point advantage over his nearest challengers:

• G Kavinkumar (India) — 5/6
• Mukhammadrizo Umarov (Uzbekistan) — 5/6
• Munkhbaatar Surenmandakh (Mongolia) — 5/6

Kavinkumar defeated Malaysia’s Irfan Harith Rosli, Umarov prevailed over India’s C Maniswar, and Munkhbaatar drew with Vietnam’s Hoang Minh Hieu.

Open U1700

Joel Wilson Suwanto of Indonesia and Javkhlan Bayarjargal of Mongolia remain locked at the summit with perfect scores of 6/6. Suwanto defeated fellow co-leader Gankhuleg Gurragchaa, while Javkhlan overcame Malaysia’s Firast Haiqal Mohd Firdaus.

What Lies Ahead

Round 7 is scheduled for 10 November 2026 at 16:00 Malaysian time, with several sections poised for dramatic conclusion as the tournament heads toward its final stretch.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/wacc-2026-aqil-reaches-6-6-as-tulegenov-regains-sole-lead-in-klang/