Midway Through FIDE WGP Monaco: Round 5 Ends in All Draws
Round 5 of FIDE WGP 2024-25 ended with all games drawn. However, the results do not tell the full story. Each game was filled with tense battles, missed opportunities, and strategic gameplay. As the tournament reaches its halfway mark, the only rest day is ahead. The second half promises more excitement!
Round 5 Results:
- Harika Dronavalli ½ – ½ Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Elisabeth Paehtz ½ – ½ Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Batkhuyag Munguntuul ½ – ½ Kateryna Lagno
- Alexandra Kosteniuk ½ – ½ Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
- Zhongyi Tan ½ – ½ Humpy Koneru
Game Highlights
Harika Dronavalli vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
The game started with the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense, known for being solid and strategic. A draw was expected, but there were exciting moments.
Goryachkina had a strong position after move 26 but missed a key opportunity with 26…Na6. Instead, she played 26…Qd6, giving White a chance to equalize. Despite some inaccuracies, the game ended in a balanced draw.
With a rest day ahead, both players will look to recharge before the crucial second half.
Elisabeth Paehtz vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva
After a tough loss in Round 4, Paehtz played aggressively against Assaubayeva’s Najdorf Defense.
She had a strong position but misplayed with 17.Ba4?. This allowed Black to castle queenside and escape trouble. A tactical shot with 19.Rd5! could have created a dynamic fight.
However, after a few moves, the game equalized and ended in a threefold repetition. Despite the missed chance, Paehtz’s aggressive play shows promise for the next rounds.
Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs. Kateryna Lagno
Munguntuul, the underdog, played the Caro-Kann Defense against tournament leader Lagno. Lagno won a pawn but had a weak structure, allowing White to create counterplay.
The game ended in a draw, an impressive result for Munguntuul, who remains undefeated. She now has a strong chance to earn a GM norm if she continues this form.
Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
This was the first game to finish. It started as a Queen’s Gambit Declined, Exchange Variation. A key moment came after 11…Bb4, when 12.Kd2 was slightly more precise than 12.Bd3.
Black’s counterplay stabilized the position, leading to multiple trades. The game ended in a threefold repetition.
Zhongyi Tan vs. Humpy Koneru
Tan played the Neo-Catalan Defense but struggled against Koneru. White had a solid position but misplayed her pawn advances.
At move 27, White pushed f6, hoping for an attack. However, Black could have stopped it with 27…g6, securing a winning position. Instead, Koneru played 27…Ng4?, allowing White to survive.
Despite the mistakes, the game remained intense for 4.5 hours before ending in a draw.
Tournament Standings After Round 5
| Rank | Player | Rating | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Kateryna Lagno | 2515 | 3½ |
| 2 | GM Humpy Koneru | 2523 | 3 |
| 3 | IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh | 2458 | 3 |
| 4 | IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul | 2331 | 3 |
| 5 | GM Alexandra Kosteniuk | 2484 | 2½ |
| 6 | GM Aleksandra Goryachkina | 2546 | 2½ |
| 7 | GM Zhongyi Tan | 2561 | 2 |
| 8 | IM Bibisara Assaubayeva | 2492 | 2 |
| 9 | GM Elisabeth Paehtz | 2427 | 2 |
| 10 | GM Harika Dronavalli | 2489 | 1½ |
Upcoming Round 6 Pairings (February 24, 2025, 15:00 CET)
- Aleksandra Goryachkina vs. Humpy Koneru
- Sarasadat Khademalsharieh vs. Zhongyi Tan
- Kateryna Lagno vs. Alexandra Kosteniuk
- Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Batkhuyag Munguntuul
- Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz
Where to Follow the Tournament?
For more information, live games, and official regulations, visit: womengrandprix.fide.com
You can also watch live commentary by GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube.
Stay tuned for the second half of the event—more action to come!
Source: FIDE NEWS
Photos: Niki Riga / FIDE_chess
