Goryachkina and Tan Fight Back as Women’s Grand Prix Heats Up in Monaco
Round 6 of FIDE WGP – Exciting Recap
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Monaco is getting intense! After a much-needed rest day, players returned with fresh energy for Round 6 of FIDE WGP. While some players explored Monaco, others stayed back for quiet preparation. The results showed mixed outcomes, but two players made a strong comeback: Aleksandra Goryachkina and Tan Zhongyi, who secured crucial victories.
Tournament leader Kateryna Lagno maintained her position despite drawing her game, setting up an exciting second half of the tournament.
Round 6 Results
- Aleksandra Goryachkina 1-0 Humpy Koneru
- Sarasadat Khademalsharieh 0-1 Zhongyi Tan
- Kateryna Lagno ½-½ Alexandra Kosteniuk
- Bibisara Assaubayeva ½-½ Batkhuyag Munguntuul
- Harika Dronavalli ½-½ Elisabeth Paehtz
Round 6 of FIDE WGP – Key Game Highlights
Goryachkina vs. Humpy Koneru
Goryachkina played an impressive game in the Ruy Lopez opening. Koneru introduced a novelty move 10…Rd8, taking the game into unknown territory. However, Goryachkina played solid chess and took advantage of a mistake on move 39…Ra8?
She quickly doubled her rooks and pushed her pawn to e6, leading to a decisive win. This victory puts her just half a point behind tournament leader Kateryna Lagno.
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh vs. Tan Zhongyi
Tan Zhongyi was struggling before the rest day, but she made a strong comeback! Playing Black in the Queen’s Gambit Declined, she gained an advantage early on.
The game turned chaotic as both players entered time trouble.
Khademalsharieh made a crucial mistake by playing 42.Qb2? instead of 42.Nd2, allowing Tan to dominate. She systematically picked up White’s weak pawns, forcing resignation by move 60. This win gives Tan much-needed momentum going forward.
Lagno vs. Kosteniuk: A Perfect Game
Both players played with 99% accuracy, making this a precise and high-level game. They followed a well-known line in the Four Knights Scotch opening, leading to equal material and a logical draw. Lagno continues to hold the top spot, but the competition is closing in!
Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Batkhuyag Munguntuul
A Sicilian Taimanov led to a dynamic game with action on both the queenside and kingside. Munguntuul made a risky decision to castle on the kingside, allowing Assaubayeva a golden opportunity to attack with 14.Qh5 followed by Rg1. However, she hesitated and played 14.h4, missing a strong continuation.
Munguntuul defended well and held the game to a draw. After the match, Assaubayeva admitted she missed the attacking idea and mentioned that health issues have affected her performance.
Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz
This game started with 1.c4, transposing into a Sicilian Accelerated Dragon. Paehtz demonstrated strong preparation and gained a time advantage. Harika, low on time by move 27, wisely simplified into an opposite-colored bishop endgame, securing a draw.
Standings After Round 6 of FIDE WGP
| Rank | Player | Rating | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Kateryna Lagno | 2515 | 4 |
| 2 | IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul | 2331 | 3.5 |
| 3 | GM Aleksandra Goryachkina | 2546 | 3.5 |
| 4 | GM Alexandra Kosteniuk | 2484 | 3 |
| 5 | GM Zhongyi Tan | 2561 | 3 |
| 6 | GM Humpy Koneru | 2523 | 3 |
| 7 | IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh | 2458 | 3 |
| 8 | GM Elisabeth Paehtz | 2427 | 2.5 |
| 9 | IM Bibisara Assaubayeva | 2492 | 2.5 |
| 10 | GM Harika Dronavalli | 2489 | 2 |
Round 7 Pairings & Schedule
The next round starts on Tuesday, February 25th at 15:00 CET in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Round 7 Matches
- Elisabeth Paehtz vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs. Harika Dronavalli
- Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Zhongyi Tan vs. Kateryna Lagno
- Humpy Koneru vs. Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
Watch the Games Live!
Catch all the action live with expert commentary from GM Alojzije Jankovic and IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube!
For more information on tournament regulations, standings, and pairings, visit the official website: womengrandprix.fide.com.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Warrior Chess Academy Blog!
Source: FIDE NEWS
Photos: Niki Riga / FIDE_chess
