Andrey Esipenko takes sole Oskemen Open lead before final round

Andrey Esipenko has moved into sole first at the Oskemen Open 2026 Masters with 6.5/8 after winning in Round 8.

Esipenko has five wins and three draws. He is half a point ahead of David Paravyan, who stands second on 6/8.

The two leaders meet in the ninth and final round on July 29, with Esipenko playing White. A draw keeps him at least tied for first, while a win secures clear first place.

Image: ChessEver.