The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix chess tournament in Pune delivers thrilling moments. Veteran Indian GM Koneru Humpy secures a crucial draw against Poland’s IM Alina Kashlinskaya in the eighth round. Zhu Jiner defeats Divya Deshmukh, keeping the race for the top spot tight. With one round left, Humpy and Zhu lead with six points each. Fans eagerly await the final showdown at Amanora The Fern, Hadapsar.
Humpy’s Grit Shines in FIDE Women’s GP Chess
Koneru Humpy showcases her experience in a tense battle against Kashlinskaya. Playing the Ruy Lopez Anderssen variation, Kashlinskaya nearly clinches victory. On move 48, she hesitates, opting for a rook move from b6 to b7 instead of the engine-recommended d5. “I thought there might be a fortress,” Kashlinskaya explains post-game. This misstep allows Humpy to seize the opportunity. She captures the a6 pawn and forces a draw in a rook, knight, and pawns endgame. Humpy even sets a clever mating trap, proving her tactical sharpness. This draw keeps her tied for first, denying Zhu sole leadership.
Humpy’s resilience stands out. According to ChessBase India, she remains unbeaten in classical chess against Kashlinskaya. Her ability to escape pressure solidifies her reputation as India’s top female player. In the final round, Humpy faces Bulgaria’s Nurgyul Salimova, aiming to secure a podium finish.
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Zhu’s Precision Overpowers Divya
Zhu Jiner displays masterful play against Divya Deshmukh in a Four Knights game. Zhu, wielding white pieces, executes an early Kh2 move, gaining a slight edge. Divya’s questionable queen move proves costly. Zhu capitalizes, steadily converting her advantage into a win. This victory propels Zhu Jiner to six points, matching Koneru Humpy at the top. “I focused on keeping the position under control,” Zhu tells FIDE reporters after the match.
Zhu’s consistent form throughout the tournament. Her strategic depth makes her a formidable contender. In the ninth round, Zhu plays Russia’s Polina Shuvalova with black pieces, a matchup that could decide the title. Meanwhile, Kashlinskaya, with only 2.5 points, remains optimistic. “I’d rather have all my mistakes in one event,” she quips to the media.
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Pune keeps fans on edge. With Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner neck-and-neck, the final round promises high-stakes drama.
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