The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is reaching its climax. Round 10 was extremely tense and some results had a crucial impact on the standings. The first symbolic move was made by Lausanne Mayor Grégoire Junod in the game between Aleksandra Goryachkina and Ju Wenjun. Both World Championship contenders followed a fashionable line where they felt comfortable in. The Chinese started to be under pressure after her opponent broke through in the center with the typical 19.d5 and 20.e5. Goryachkina played energetically and pushed the World Champion to collapse with a final mistake on move 34.
The Russian joins Nana Dzagnidze in the lead with 6,5 points. The Georgian had to defend an unpleasant position against Alina Kashlinskaya but eventually held a draw.
The younger participant Zhansaya Abdumalik is having a great event. She beat Pia Cramling and is on a sole third place before the last round. After playing several solid long games, the Swedish legend seems to get tired, as she blundered mate in one.
The third decisive game of the round was won by Antoaneta Stefanova. The Bulgarian managed to outplay Mariya Muzychuk and score her second victory of the event. Alexandra Kosteniuk and Marie Sebag delivered a very interesting fight. The French sacrificed a pawn for wonderful compensation, but the former World Champion handled the situation very well and managed to draw by perpetual check. The encounter between Harika Dronavalli and Anna Muzychuk was balanced, and both players drew in 31 moves.
The last round starts at 11.30 on Friday. The tournament is raising to a climax ending, as both leaders Nana Dzagnidze and Aleksandra Goryachkina face each other. Zhansaya Abdumalik also has chances to catch up with them if she beats Marie Sebag.
Results of round 10:
Alina Kashlinskaya (RUS) – Nana Dzagnidze (GEO) ½-½
Aleksandra Goryachkina (RUS) – Ju Wenjun (CHN) 1-0
Alexandra Kosteniuk (RUS) – Marie Sebag (FRA) ½-½
Zhansaya Abdumalik (KAZ) – Pia Cramling (SWE) 1-0
Antoaneta Stefanova (BLG) – Mariya Muzychuk (UKR) 1-0
Harika Dronavalli (IND) – Anna Muzychuk (UKR) ½-½
Standings after round 10:
1.-2. Nana Dzagnidze (GEO) and Aleksandra Goryachkina (RUS) - 6½ points
3. Zhansaya Abdumalik (KAZ) - 6
4.-5. Alina Kashlinskaya (RUS) and Anna Muzychuk (UKR) - 5½
6.-8. Mariya Muzychuk (UKR), Antoaneta Stefanova (BUL) and Harika Dronavalli (IND) - 5
9.-10. Pia Cramling (SUE) and Ju Wenjun (CHN) - 4
11.-12. Marie Sebag (FRA) and Alexandra Kosteniuk (RUS) - 3½
Program of the 11th and last round, 13 March at 11.30 am:
Anna Muzychuk (UKR) – Alina Kashlinskaya (RUS)
Mariya Muzychuk (UKR) – Harika Dronavalli (IND)
Pia Cramling (SWE) – Antoaneta Stefanova (BLG)
Marie Sebag (FRA) – Zhansaya Abdumalik (KAZ)
Ju Wenjun (CHN) – Alexandra Kosteniuk (RUS)
Nana Dzagnidze (GEO) – Aleksandra Goryachkina (RUS)
Follow all the action live with commentary by grandmasters Mikhail Gurevich and Keti Tsatsalashvili on the tournament website http://wgp2019.fide.com.
Pictures in high resolution are available for the press at our official Flickr account.
Text: Yannick Pelletier
Photos: David Llada
Contact: press@fide.com
