Four universities advanced to the semifinals of the FIDE World University Team Championship Finals after quarterfinal matches in Almaty. The tournament knocked out half the field, bringing the remaining teams down from eight to four competitors.
The knockout stage began after the group phase concluded. Sixteen universities started the championship. Now only the four strongest remain in contention for the title.
The day included a break from chess. Players visited Shymbulak, a mountain destination near Almaty, before returning to the playing hall for the quarterfinals. The excursion gave the students a chance to decompress after three intense group-stage days.
The semifinals are next. These four teams will determine which two universities compete for the championship.