Excluding Russia, the strongest chess powers in the CIS are Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
This opinion was expressed by Federation Council senator and grandmaster Sergey Karyakin during the international youth festival taking place in Yekaterinburg. The project "Chess Diplomacy in Russian Houses" was presented at the festival.
During the event, the grandmaster, who held a master class, was pleased with the preparation of the youth. One of the participants even drew a tense game against the world champion. Karyakin noted the high level of chess among the festival guests.
It should be noted that the international youth festival is being held in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17.