Muzychuk, Zhu Neck and Neck at FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner remain tied for the lead at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Austria going into the final round. Their scores of 5.5/8 are half a point ahead of Tan Zhongyi, as all three drew their games in round eight.

Muzychuk reached a point where she had to allow an early repetition against IM Lela Javakhishvili. Zhu and IM Olga Badelka exchanged pieces in a flurry, leading to an average rook endgame. Tan played a slightly longer rook endgame against Vaishali Rameshbabu which was 0.0 the whole way, so no fireworks from the contenders. The other two games were decisive, though, with wins by Mariya Muzychuk and Nana Dzagnidze.

So, it comes down to the ninth round. Muzychuk has White against Vaishali, and Zhu has Black against Alexandra Kosteniuk. Tan would need to win with White against Mariya Muzychuk to give herself a realistic chance in the tournament. Zhu will earn enough points to lock in a Candidates qualifying spot through the Grand Prix no matter what, but Muzychuk still needs to surge ahead of Zhu and win the tournament alone to earn her spot. Grand Prix standings are on its website, and you can follow the last day’s action on Lichess.

Photo via FIDE