India's first chess features print magazine published quarterly from Lucknow since 2004 by Aspire Welfare Society.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Stefanova Leads Women's World Chess Blitz in Batumi after 9 Rounds; Kosteniuk, Koneru, Harika Right Behind

Fantastic Chess continued on the third of the Batumi Women's World Rapid Chess Championship on Saturday in Georgia. Overnight joint leaders Antoaneta Stefanova and Koneru Humpy had varying fortunes. Stefanova is now sole leader after nine rounds with 7.5 points as she drew with Koneru Humpy, beat Nino Khurtsidze and Kateryna Lahno. Humpy, on the other hand, after drawing with Stefanova, lost to Kateryna Lahno and beat Guo Qi. That dropped Humpy to joint third with Kateryna Lahno and Anna Muzychuk.


Opening ceremony of the Batumi
Women's World Chess Championship.
In hot pursuit behind Stefanova is the very talented 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk. Her fiery attacks and sharp play fetched her a draw against Huang Qian, plus two superlative wins over Elisabeth Paehtz and Tan Zhongyi.

India's other woman chess player in the fray is Harika Dronavalli who has been doing well as well. She notched up wins against Mariya Muzychuk and Pia Cramling to move to the fourth place.

Two more rounds are to be played on Sunday to decide the title for the Women's World Rapid Chess Champion 2012. Important Round 10 pairings include Antoaneta Stefanova-Anna Muzychuk, Alexandra Kosteniuk-Kateryna Lahno, Nana Dzagnidze-Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli-Nino Khurtsidze, and Huang Qian-Lela Javakhishvili.

You can watch all the action live at the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship via the official website at India time 4.30 pm on Sunday as well.

Here is an interview with ACP president GM Emil Sutovsky who has brought renewed vigour to the Association. The ACP is organising the Women's World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Batumi, Georgia, along with the Georgian Chess Federation.



Standings after Round 9: Antoaneta Stefanova 7.5, Alexandra Kosteniuk 7, Koneru Humpy, Kateryna Lahno, Anna Muzychuk 6.5, Nino Khurtsidze, Nana Dzagnidze, Harika Dronavalli 6.0, Huang Qian, Guo Qi, Tan Zhongyi, Lela Javakhishvili 5.5.

.


.
.
.

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Press Release Distribution