Round 9 of FIDE WGP: Goryachkina Wins Second FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Title in Monaco!
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-2025 in Monaco has come to an exciting end!
After nine intense rounds filled with surprises, Aleksandra Goryachkina claimed her second title in the series. (Round 9 of FIDE WGP)
Let’s break down all the key moments from this thrilling tournament.
🔥 A Dramatic Finish in Monaco
After the Round 9 of FIDE WGP, three players shared the top spot with 5.5 points each:
- Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Batkhuyag Munguntuul
- Humpy Koneru
Thanks to the Sonneborn-Berger tiebreak, it was Goryachkina who was crowned champion!
🏁 Round 9 Results:
- Batkhuyag Munguntuul ½-½ Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Alexandra Kosteniuk 1-0 Elisabeth Paehtz
- Tan Zhongyi ½-½ Harika Dronavalli
- Humpy Koneru 1-0 Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Sarasadat Khademalsharieh 1-0 Kateryna Lagno
🔍 Key Game Summaries:
✅ Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs Aleksandra Goryachkina
This was the most anticipated match of the day.
Both players fought hard, but after several exchanges, the game ended in a draw.
Still, Goryachkina did enough to secure the title!
✅ Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Elisabeth Paehtz
Kosteniuk played brilliantly in the King’s Indian Defense.
Kosteniuk noted in her post-game interview that King’s Indian players instinctively want to recapture on f5 with a pawn, but here, Black’s passive position demanded either 18…Bxf5 or 18…Nxf5 instead. After further simplifications, White’s advantage became undeniable due to Black’s misplaced pieces and weak pawn structure.
The game concluded with a tactical shot following 36. Bb4, making White’s passed a-pawn a decisive factor. Paehtz, understandably determined to win, took risks, but Kosteniuk—bouncing back from her previous loss—remained composed and converted the advantage.
✅ Tan Zhongyi vs Harika Dronavalli
Both players played carefully in a balanced game.
After many strategic moves, they decided to share the point with a draw.
✅ Humpy Koneru vs Bibisara Assaubayeva
Humpy needed a win, and she delivered!
Here, instead of 11…c6 or 11…Nh5 Black played 11…Nd7?, allowing 12. Qxd8 Rxd8 13. Nb5, attacking the c7-pawn.
An early mistake from Bibisara gave Humpy the upper hand, and she never let go.
✅ Sarasadat Khademalsharieh vs Kateryna Lagno
Lagno needed a win to fight for the title. But Khademalsharieh had other plans!
White’s position remained solid, and with precise play, Khademalsharieh consolidated, preserved her extra pawn, trading queens and converting a winning knight endgame.
She played a strong game and handed Lagno her first loss of the event.
🏅 Final Standings – FIDE WGP 2024-25 in Monaco:
| Rank | Player | Country | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Aleksandra Goryachkina | FID | 5.5 |
| 2 | GM Humpy Koneru | IND | 5.5 |
| 3 | IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul | MGL | 5.5 |
| 4 | GM Tan Zhongyi | CHN | 5.0 |
| 5 | GM Kateryna Lagno | FID | 5.0 |
| 6 | GM Alexandra Kosteniuk | SUI | 4.5 |
| 7 | IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh | ESP | 4.0 |
| 8 | GM Harika Dronavalli | IND | 4.0 |
| 9 | GM Elisabeth Paehtz | GER | 3.0 |
| 10 | IM Bibisara Assaubayeva | KAZ | 3.0 |
🎯 What’s Next for the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix?
The series is just getting started!
Here’s what to look forward to:
- The next leg is in Cyprus (March 14-25).
- After that, we head to India (April 13-24).
- The final leg will be in Austria (May 6-17).
Top players like Goryachkina, Humpy Koneru, and Munguntuul will continue their fight for the overall Grand Prix title.
And with World Champion Tan Zhongyi also competing, the excitement is only growing!
📝 Conclusion
The Monaco Grand Prix was a perfect example of why we love chess:
- High-level play ✅
- Shocking upsets ✅
- Non-stop drama ✅
At Warrior Chess Academy, we’re inspired by these incredible women who showed the world their talent and fighting spirit.
Follow us for more chess news, tips, and tournament updates!
👉 Stay connected:
For more details on the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, live games, and pairings, visit the official site: womengrandprix.fide.com.
Photos: 📸 Niki Riga / FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
