The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Pune delivers thrilling chess action. Koneru Humpy’s tactical masterclass against Batkhuyag Munguntuul stole the spotlight in round six. With precise moves and bold sacrifices, Humpy showcased her experience. The event, part of the 2024-2025 series, decides Women’s World Championship qualifiers. Fans eagerly await the next rounds as Humpy challenges leader Zhu Jiner.
Humpy’s Tactical Masterclass in FIDE Women’s Grand Prix
Koneru Humpy outplayed Munguntuul with black pieces in a stunning sixth-round victory. She pushed the game into the rare Ulvestad Variation, catching her opponent off guard. Munguntuul’s risky Qf3 move threatened checkmate but exposed her position. Humpy seized the moment, launching a fierce kingside attack. “I aimed to disrupt her comfort zone,” Humpy said post-match, per ChessBase India. She sacrificed two rooks for Munguntuul’s queen, activating her knight and bishop. Her pawns on the e, f, and g files overwhelmed the Mongolian’s defenses. With 98% accuracy, Humpy secured 4.5 points, trailing Zhu Jiner’s five.
Humpy’s strategic castling to b8 shielded her king. Her coordinated pieces crushed Munguntuul, marking the Mongolian’s fourth loss. This win, rooted in bold material sacrifices, highlights Humpy’s dominance. The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix rewards such precision, offering Grand Prix points crucial for World Championship qualification.
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Zhu Jiner Holds Lead, Vaishali Falters
Zhu Jiner maintained her lead with a gritty win over R Vaishali. Their Sicilian Rossolimo game saw mutual errors around move 20. Zhu emerged a knight-up in a queen-pawn endgame, avenging her World Blitz loss to Vaishali. “I stayed focused despite the complications,” Zhu told FIDE’s official site. Her five points keep her ahead in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix standings. Vaishali, despite the loss, remains a formidable contender.
Humpy faces Zhu in round seven with white pieces, a potential title decider. The Pune leg, running from April 15-23, 2025, features a $87,000 prize fund, per FIDE’s website. Each player competes in three of four series tournaments, earning points toward the 2026 Women’s Candidates. Humpy’s experience, dating back to her 1999 clash with Munguntuul, fuels her campaign. With three rounds left, the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix promises more electrifying battles.
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