FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Monaco: Four Leaders After Round 3
The third round of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 in Monaco featured intense battles. Out of five games, three ended in draws, while two had decisive results.
- Alexandra Kosteniuk defeated Tan Zhongyi in a clash of former World Champions.
- Aleksandra Goryachkina won against Bibisara Assaubayeva after a long five-and-a-half-hour game.
A Special First Move
Before the round began, Monaco basketball star Donatas Motiejūnas and his son made the ceremonial first move, playing 1.a3 in Kosteniuk’s game. This fun moment lightened the mood before the serious chess battles began.
Round 3 Results:
- Bibisara Assaubayeva 0-1 Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Harika Dronavalli ½-½ Kateryna Lagno
- Elisabeth Paehtz ½-½ Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
- Batkhuyag Munguntuul ½-½ Humpy Koneru
- Alexandra Kosteniuk 1-0 Zhongyi Tan
Game Highlights
Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Zhongyi Tan
This was a thrilling battle between two former Women’s World Champions. Kosteniuk had a tough start in the tournament but found her rhythm in this game. She played well from the opening, but the middlegame was complex.
A key moment came when Tan Zhongyi played 19…Rf5?—an inaccuracy that gave Kosteniuk a big advantage. A safer move like 19…a6 or 19…Rc6 would have kept the game balanced.
Kosteniuk took full advantage of her opponent’s mistakes. She handled the time trouble phase brilliantly, eventually reaching a winning position with a queen and two extra pawns against a knight and rook.
Her strong technique in the endgame sealed an important victory. In an interview, Kosteniuk shared that she plays tournaments to enjoy chess and do her best, making her an exciting player to watch!
Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
This was an exciting game between the Grand Prix leader and the winner of the second leg.
The game followed the English Opening, leading to a strategic battle. Assaubayeva built a strong position but missed the powerful 21.Ba3, which could have activated her bishop and put pressure on Black. Instead, she played 21.Bd2, leading to a slower game.
As the queenside opened up, Goryachkina gradually took control. Both players were under extreme time pressure, leading to some mistakes. However, Goryachkina remained calm and converted her advantage into a win.
This victory put her back in the race after losing in Round 1 to Kateryna Lagno. The game lasted over five and a half hours!
Harika Dronavalli vs. Kateryna Lagno
This game followed a solid King’s Indian Defense. Dronavalli had a chance to gain an edge but missed a key opportunity on move 20. Instead, her move led to multiple trades and an equal position.
A threefold repetition ended the game in a draw. This result was important for Dronavalli, as it helped her recover from two consecutive losses. For Lagno, a draw with Black was a solid result, saving energy for upcoming rounds.
Elisabeth Paehtz vs. Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
Both players tested the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez, quickly leading to a queenless position. Black had a slight opportunity to gain an advantage, but it wasn’t enough to push for a win.
Sara Khadem has been performing better than in her previous Grand Prix events, and Paehtz is also showing improved form.
Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs. Humpy Koneru
Though the game ended in a draw, it had exciting tactical opportunities.
A key moment came in the early middlegame when Munguntuul spent 16 minutes deciding between two moves. She chose 14.Be2?, a safe option, instead of the aggressive 14.Ng5!, which could have led to a strong kingside attack.
In her post-game interview, Munguntuul admitted she considered Ng5 but played it safe. This led to an equal endgame, and a draw was agreed upon.
Standings After Round 3
| Rank | Player | Country | Rating | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Humpy Koneru | IND | 2523 | 2 |
| 2 | IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh | ESP | 2458 | 2 |
| 3 | IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul | MGL | 2331 | 2 |
| 4 | GM Kateryna Lagno | FID | 2515 | 2 |
| 5 | GM Alexandra Kosteniuk | SUI | 2484 | 1½ |
| 6 | GM Aleksandra Goryachkina | FID | 2546 | 1½ |
| 7 | GM Elisabeth Paehtz | GER | 2427 | 1½ |
| 8 | GM Zhongyi Tan | CHN | 2561 | 1 |
| 9 | IM Bibisara Assaubayeva | KAZ | 2492 | 1 |
| 10 | GM Harika Dronavalli | IND | 2489 | ½ |
Round 4 Details
The fourth round of the Women’s Grand Prix 2024/25 continues on Friday, February 21st at 15:00 CET in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Round 4 Pairings:
- Aleksandra Goryachkina vs. Zhongyi Tan
- Humpy Koneru vs. Alexandra Kosteniuk
- Sarasadat Khademalsharieh vs. Batkhuyag Munguntuul
- Kateryna Lagno vs. Elisabeth Paehtz
- Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Harika Dronavalli
For more details, live games, and tournament regulations, visit the official website: womengrandprix.fide.com.
📺 Watch live coverage with GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube.
Photos: Niki Riga / FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE NEWS
Warrior Chess Academy
