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Roudn 4 Tie-breakes: Harika Dronavalli wins |
The tie-break of the Women's World Chess Championship was played in Espinas Palace Hotelon February 22. Only two players Harika Dronavalli and Nana Dzagnidze returned to the venue to determine the last semifinalist in rapid and blitz games.
In the first rapid game Harika Dronavalli sacrificed a pawn but got enough compensation by keeping a pair of bishops and getting some space advantage. Nana Dzagnidze transfered the game into the rook ending, which computer estimates as an equalone. “Most probably Nana could have made a draw but I think it was easier for me to play this ending”, said Harika at the post-game interview.
For the second time during this match Nana was in a must-win situation but this time Harika didn’t give any chance for her opponent. The final position in the seocnd game was winning for Indian player but she prefered to force a draw, which garanteed her a place in the semifinal.
Four players continue competing for the chess crown: Tan Zhongyi (China) faces Harika Dronavalli (India), and Alexandra Kosteniuk (Russia) meets Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine). These matches consist of two games with the following time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus 30 bonus seconds after each move. If the match is tied 1-1, it is continued on the tie-break with quicker time controls. |
