The second round of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix featured tense positional battles across the boards, with most games concluding in calm draws. However, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in the game between Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Harika Dronavalli, where a single blunder cost Black a crucial half-point.
As this is still the early phase of the tournament and the first major FIDE event of the year, players are gradually finding their footing in the intense competition. Despite this, today’s round showcased exciting chess, unpredictable moments, and hard-fought games.
Aleksandra Goryachkina - Alexandra Kosteniuk: ½-½
After suffering losses in the first round, both players entered this game under pressure, as a second defeat could significantly impact their confidence. Determined to improve on her previous game, Kosteniuk came well-prepared in a French Winawer, blitzing out her opening moves and entering a position she had previously played with White. However, Goryachkina deviated from known theory by move 10, leading to an imbalanced position with White saddled with doubled isolated pawns on the queenside.
This structural weakness was compensated by a safe king and active piece play. After sacrificing a pawn, which was soon returned, White suddenly seized the initiative and launched a dangerous attack.
At this moment, White needed to undermine Black’s pawn structure with 26.c4, but instead, 26.Re5 was played. This allowed Black to neutralize all danger by simplifying into a rook-and-pawn endgame. Despite White’s continued efforts, the game ended in a draw after 69 moves.
Zhongyi Tan - Batkhuyag Munguntuul: ½-½
An intense battle filled with sacrifices unfolded in the game between Zhongyi Tan and Batkhuyag Munguntuul. The players tested a solid King’s Indian Attack in the Keres Variation, which gradually evolved into a strategic battle.
After sacrificing a pawn, Tan demonstrated excellent piece maneuvering, obtaining a dominant position with a decisive material advantage. With two pawns up, White’s victory seemed inevitable, but an error in judgment cost her dearly. Munguntuul seized the opportunity to equalize immediately.
Here, White had two good options, 44.Ng7 and less strong 44.f5, both maintaining the winning edge. Instead, 44.Nc7? allowed 44...Kd7, forcing White to give up the knight. With Black’s knight counterbalancing White’s three extra pawns, the game was eventually drawn on move 68.
Humpy Koneru - Elisabeth Paehtz: ½-½
Elite round-robin tournaments often feature long-standing rivalries, and this was the case for Humpy Koneru and Elisabeth Paehtz, who have faced each other numerous times. Humpy entered the round with a slim historical edge (+1).
Paehtz, playing Black, opted for a rare line of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted instead of her more usual King’s Indian. Playing with confidence, the German GM solved all her opening problems and then grabbed the initiative in the ending.
Although Black dictated play for most of the game, precise conversion was required to capitalize on the advantage. Humpy defended resourcefully, simplifying the position and steering the game toward a draw.
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh - Harika Dronavalli: 1-0
One decisive mistake, played with just 30 seconds left on the clock, determined the outcome of today’s clash between Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Harika Dronavalli. The game was predominantly a positional battle, which appeared to be heading for a draw. However, Sara held a practical advantage—more time on the clock in an equal but tricky position, with a rook and bishop against a rook and knight. Despite being a pawn down, White had a dangerous passed pawn on the a-file that would eventually secure victory.
Here, Black had multiple defensive resources, including the simple 38...Rxa7, neutralizing White’s threats. Instead, Dronavalli hurriedly played 38...Nxe5??, allowing 39.Rd8+!, forcing immediate resignation. Black was compelled to capture the rook, after which White’s pawn would promote unhindered.
This unfortunate second consecutive loss for Dronavalli means the next round will be crucial for her to reverse the trend. Fortunately, the tournament is still in its early stages, leaving ample opportunity for a comeback.
Kateryna Lagno - Bibisara Assaubayeva: ½-½
The encounter between the experienced Lagno and the young Grand Prix leader Assaubayeva featured a King’s Indian Defense, known for its dynamic and complex positions. However, Black misplayed early by advancing her f-pawn prematurely—an idea common in the KID but ill-timed in this instance.
Lagno however, shifted focus to the queenside but lost her earlier advantage with a premature b3-b4 push. With multiple trades simplifying the position, the game reached a dead-drawn endgame featuring opposite-colored bishops, concluding in a natural draw.
The third round of the Women’s Grand Prix continues with players looking to solidify their positions in the standings. Will Harika Dronavalli bounce back from two losses? Can Sarasadat Khademalsharieh continue her strong form? Stay tuned for more high-level action.
Standings after Round 2:
1-4. Humpy Koneru, Kateryna Lagno, Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Batkhuyag Munguntuul – 1.5; 5-7. Bibisara Assaubayeva, Elisabeth Paehtz and Tan Zhongyi – 1; 8-9. Alexandra Kosteniuk and Aleksandra Goryachkina – 0.5; 10. Harika Dronavalli – 0.
Round 3 pairings and dates
The third round of the third leg in the 2024/25 Women’s Grand Prix series starts on Thursday, February 20th at 15:00 CET local time in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Round 3 pairings:
Bibisara Assaubayeva - Aleksandra Goryachkina
Harika Dronavalli - Kateryna Lagno
Elisabeth Paehtz - Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
Batkhuyag Munguntuul - Humpy Koneru
Alexandra Kosteniuk - Tan Zhongyi
More information about the event, including the regulations and details of the pairings, as well as live games can be found on the official website: womengrandprix.fide.com.
You can follow the games live and watch the action with our wonderful commentators GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube.
Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Niki Riga
