WGP Cyprus: Anna Muzychuk Leads with 4/5 Before Rest Day
Anna Muzychuk is in the lead at the Cyprus Women’s Grand Prix with 4 points out of 5. She secured her third consecutive win, taking a big step toward the title(Anna Muzychuk Leads with 4/5).
China’s Zhu Jiner is just half a point behind. She held Alexandra Goryachkina to a draw, keeping the competition tight. Zhu’s strong performance has boosted her live rating, making her the world’s number eight female player.
Germany’s Elisabeth Paehtz also had a good day, securing her first win of the event.
The players will take a well-earned rest day. Many will join a special excursion to Lefkara Village, a scenic and historic spot in Cyprus.
Game Highlights
Zhu Jiner vs. Alexandra Goryachkina (Draw)
Zhu played it safe against Goryachkina, choosing a well-prepared Italian Opening. She maintained control and achieved a quick draw.
Goryachkina had a chance to take a risky, computer-approved move but chose a safer option, keeping her undefeated record intact.
Elisabeth Paehtz vs. Harika Dronavalli (1-0)
Paehtz capitalized on an early mistake by Dronavalli, winning a pawn on move six.The position quickly favored her, and she secured her first win in 30 games against another woman.
Paehtz also confirmed that this is her final classical tournament.
Divya Deshmukh vs. Nana Dzagnidze (Draw)
Divya surprised her opponent by playing a sharp line, but Dzagnidze was well-prepared. The game transitioned into a balanced queenless middlegame.
Although Divya had an extra pawn, opposite-colored bishops made the draw inevitable.
Stavroula Tsolakidou vs. Anna Muzychuk (0-1)
Anna revived the Semi-Tarrasch defense and sacrificed a queenside pawn for active play. The strategy paid off when Stavroula, under time pressure, blundered.
Muzychuk’s 32…Rc2 set a trap, and after 33.Qf2?, she won a piece, securing victory (Anna Muzychuk Leads with 4/5).
Olga Badelka vs. Mariya Muzychuk (Draw)
Mariya played the Grünfeld defense but faced an early h-pawn push from Badelka. The game transitioned into a balanced middlegame.
Mariya missed a chance to take the advantage, and after further simplifications, the game ended in a draw.
Upcoming Round 6 Matches (March 21, 15:00 CET)
- Nana Dzagnidze vs. Harika Dronavalli
- Mariya Muzychuk vs. Elisabeth Paehtz
- Alexandra Goryachkina vs. Olga Badelka
- Anna Muzychuk vs. Zhu Jiner
- Divya Deshmukh vs. Stavroula Tsolakidou
For live games and event details, visit womengrandprix.fide.com. Watch live commentary by GM Alik Gershon and WGM Anastasiya Karlovich on YouTube.
Photos: Mark Livshitz, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
