Muzychuk Holding on to First, Zhu Closing Fast at FIDE Women’s Grand Prix
The intrigue continues at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Austria, where Anna Muzychuk holds on to the lead at 4.5/6, but Zhu Jiner has won four straight games to climb within half a point. Vaishali Rameshbabu bounced back from a round five loss to Zhu with a win in round six and sits tied with her for second at 4/6. Tan Zhongyi also won her game in round six to stay within reach at 3.5/6.
The feature game of round five, Tan-Muzychuk, saw both players hold an advantage for a stretch, before it wound down into a draw by perpetual check.
In Zhu-Vaishali, Black sought refuge in a rook endgame with 30. …Qc2??, but Zhu spotted 31. Qxc2 Rxc2 32. f6! which causes severe, lasting problems on the black kingside, beginning with a back rank mate threat. After 32. …h5 33. Rd1 Re2 34. Rd8+ Kh7 35. Rf8 Rxe5 36. Rxf7+ Kh6 37. Rxa7 (D), White has two passed pawns and is winning, and converted once the king got active.
Muzychuk’s second straight game with Black, and fourth in six, didn’t give her any chances in round six. Zhu was up against Mariya Muzychuk, and in a controlling position, made one blunder: 41. …d5??.
White has one moment to play 42. Nh4!, because the game’s 42. Qc3?? Nh3+ 43. Kg2 g5! (D) dominates the knight on f3, and White is unable to resist much longer.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and then there are three rounds remaining. The leading Muzychuk needs a solo first finish to secure Candidates qualification, given Zhu’s presence near the top of the leaderboard. Grand Prix standings are available on its website. You can follow the event on Lichess.
Photo via FIDE
