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FIDE Women’s World Cup Day 9: Song Yuxin Stuns Anna Muzychuk
The Round of 16 is now set!
Big matches ahead: Lei Tingjie vs Omonova, Dzagnidze vs Mariya Muzychuk, Humpy vs Kosteniuk, Song vs Javakhishvili, Zhu Jiner vs Divya, Lagno vs Harika, Tan Zhongyi vs Osmak, and Kamalidenova vs Vaishali.
The Ruthless Nature of Tiebreaks
Day 9 of FIDE Women’s World Cup: tiebreaks are brutal. With fast time controls like 15+10 and 10+10, even one mistake can end a player’s run. Every move counts.
Vaishali vs Carissa Yip: Underdog Triumph
One of the most gripping stories came from GM Vaishali against IM Carissa Yip. Vaishali is India’s rising star and sister of GM Praggnanandhaa. Meanwhile, Yip had the extra pressure of being followed by a Netflix crew.
Vaishali was lost in the first two rapid games. She admitted this openly, but kept fighting. In knockout chess, resilience can be as crucial as winning.
She got her break in the first 10+10 game and played brilliantly. Her honest words — “even though I’m not better at all, this is the best position I have had in the whole match” — showed her mindset. That game turned the match around.
After winning, Vaishali kept her composure, gave an interview, and celebrated with her mother. A true story of grit and nerves.
Vantika Agrawal Pushes Lagno to the Limit
IM Vantika Agrawal played bravely against GM Kateryna Lagno. She matched Lagno move for move in classical and rapid games. But in the final 10+10 game, Lagno’s experience showed.
Taking Lagno to the edge is a big feat. Lagno even tried the Flank Attack against the French Defence — rare and bold at this level.
Song Yuxin’s Big Upset Over Anna Muzychuk
Song Yuxin delivered the biggest shock by defeating GM Anna Muzychuk. In game one, Muzychuk surprised Song with the 2.c3 Alapin Variation in the Sicilian. Song mishandled it and lost quickly.
Needing only a draw in game two, Muzychuk played cautiously for 45 moves. But Song seized her chance, doubling rooks on the seventh rank to win.
In game three, Song refined her play and took the lead. Game four saw Song calmly draw with an extra pawn, sealing the match.
China now has five players in the final 16!
Kosteniuk’s Composed Victory
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, representing Switzerland, beat IM Meri Arabidze 1.5-0.5. Game one ended in a draw despite an early advantage. In game two, Kosteniuk used her knights creatively, creating a mating net to win.
In her interview, she spoke about the constant pressure of knockout chess.
Drama in Dzagnidze vs Gunina
GM Nana Dzagnidze faced GM Valentina Gunina in a thrilling match. Gunina had a better position in game one but let it slip, losing after a blunder. She bounced back in game two with a daring opening and sharp tactics.
A highlight was the stunning 34…Nxh4! knight sacrifice, leading to a series of winning moves. But Gunina’s form faltered later: she blundered in game three and failed to convert a +4 advantage in the final game.
Harika vs Tsolakidou: Fine Margins
GM Harika Dronavalli played IM Stavroula Tsolakidou in a closely fought match. In game one, Stavroula missed 30.Qg4 and 31.h5, which could have given her an attack. Harika also missed a winning shot soon after.
Both players stayed calm despite pressure. The games were intense but ended in draws. The final 10+10 tiebreaks showed Stavroula’s resilience, though Harika ultimately advanced.
Harika later shared her thoughts with reporter Charlize van Zyl.
About the Tournament
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup runs from July 6–28 in Batumi, Georgia. 107 players from 46 federations compete for the $50,000 top prize. Three players will qualify for the Candidates Tournament. Seventeen of the world’s top twenty women players are taking part. Follow daily updates on the official Women’s World Cup website.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
