The Quality of a Champion – Humpy and Zhu Jiner Share the Lead

As the Women’s Grand Prix in Pune nears its end, two players stand out — Humpy Koneru and Zhu Jiner. With just one round to go, both are tied for first place.

What makes a true champion in chess? After watching many top events, it’s clear: elite players know how to fight till the end in lost positions and recover quickly from tough losses.

Today’s round was one of the most exciting of the entire Grand Prix. Let’s break it down!

Humpy Fights for a Draw

Humpy Koneru played against Alina Kashlinskaya, who hadn’t won a game yet. Alina came very close to victory several times.

Humpy was under pressure and low on time. But she defended with grit and finally saved the game with a draw.

This result keeps Humpy in the race for the title.

Zhu Jiner’s Comeback Win

After losing to Humpy yesterday, Zhu Jiner bounced back with an impressive win against Divya Deshmukh.

Zhu used the Four Knights Glek system and found a brilliant sacrifice with 26.Nxe5!, trading a piece for three pawns.

She played with 96% accuracy and forced Divya to return material. The win brings Zhu level with Humpy at the top.

Zhu said after the game.

I feel happy today, especially since I lost yesterday

Other Games from the Round

Kashlinskaya vs Humpy

A tense Ruy Lopez where Alina got a big advantage. But a single mistake on move 49 (Rb7 instead of Rd5) let Humpy escape with a draw.

Salimova vs Vaishali

Salimova played creatively in the Triangle Slav. Vaishali found a tactic with 29…Nd3! and later sacrificed a rook. However, time trouble led to a perpetual check and a draw.

Melia vs Harika

The first game of the tournament to go over 100 moves! Melia attacked early, but after 27.e6?, Harika turned the tables.

Both players were under two minutes, and the game ended in a draw after 116 moves.

Munguntuul vs Shuvalova

Munguntuul played the Najdorf English Attack. Shuvalova had a big time advantage and won a pawn. But she couldn’t convert it into a win, and the game ended in a draw after 91 moves.

Ceremonial First Moves

Three honorary guests made ceremonial first moves today:

• Mr. Ajay Patel, Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association

• Mr. Dev Patel, Secretary of the All India Chess Federation

• Dr. Ravindra Dange, Commissioner of the Pune IRS

Final Round Pairings – April 23 at 14:00 CET

Here are the pairings for the last round:

• Vaishali Rameshbabu vs Salome Melia

• Humpy Koneru vs Nurgyul Salimova

• Divya Deshmukh vs Alina Kashlinskaya

• Polina Shuvalova vs Zhu Jiner

• Harika Dronavalli vs Munguntuul Batkhuyag

Who will win the Women’s Grand Prix in Pune? Everything will be decided tomorrow!

Watch the games live with expert commentary on FIDE’s YouTube channel. For more details, visit the official event website.