Aleksandra Goryachkina maintains her lead
Aleksandra Goryachkina drew her game against Kateryna Lagno in their highly anticipated encounter. It now means that Goryachkina keeps a comfortable lead in the Women’s Candidates Tournament of 2.5 points.
Alexandra Kosteniuk defeated her teammate Valentina Gunina in the only decisive result of the day. Anna Muzychuk played a relatively uneventful draw against Tan Zhongyi. Mariya Muzychuk, on the other hand, got some chances against Nana Dzagnidze but ended up with the same result as her sister.
Goryachkina after ten rounds leads with 8 points. Lagno is in second place with 5.5 points. The Muzychuk sisters share third place with 5 points. Dzagnidze and Kosteniuk share 5th place with 4.5 points. Zhongyi has 4 points, and Gunina has 3,5.
Kateryna Lagno v Aleksandra Goryachkina
Kateryna Lagno prepared well against the Caro Kann Defence. She got a comfortable position against Aleksandra Goryachkina out of the opening. Kateryna felt she had some chances in today’s encounter, but did not go for the main lines. “I could have chosen more critical moves like Ne5 earlier in the game. At the same time, I always try to play according to a position,” said Lagno. After a few accurate exchanges, Goryachkina made a confident draw in the Rook ending.
Kateryna Lagno v Aleksandra Goryachkina
Anna Muzychuk v Tan Zhongyi
Anna Muzychuk did not manage to get an edge in the Italian game against Tan Zhongyi. According to Anna, her opponent surprised her with 9…Kh8 and 10…h6. Anna then went for numerous exchanges, hoping to create chances in the ending. The position turned to be completely balanced and after 30 moves the game finished in a draw.
Anna Muzychuk v Tan Zhongyi
Mariya Muzychuk v Nana Dzagnidze
Mariya Muzychuk playing with the White pieces went for a pawn sacrifice and got quite a dangerous initiative in return. Nana Dzagnidze made the typical decision in positions with opposite colour Bishops. She decided to give back the extra material to get some counterplay on the Kingside. Mariya opted for a Queen exchange and few moves later the game ended in a draw.
Mariya Muzychuk v Nana Dzagnidze
Valentina Gunina v Alexsandra Kosteniuk
Valentina Gunina was surprised by 4.d4 in Ruy Lopez, prepared by Alexandra Kosteniuk. She had to play out of her book from the early stage in the game. Valentina spent much time choosing the right order of moves and had to made critical choices in the time trouble. Kosteniuk then developed quite a strong initiative on the Kingside. Valentina with correct play could have obtained some counter chances when Alexandra castled long. Alexandra, later on, consolidated her position and converted her advantage with the accurate play.
Valentina Gunina v Alexsandra Kosteniuk
Round 11
The eleventh round will take place on Thursday, June 13th, at 15:00 local time. The pairing will be as follows.
Valentina Gunina — Nana Dzagnidze.
Tan Zhongyi — Alexandra Kosteniuk.
Aleksandra Goryachkina — Anna Muzychuk.
Kateryna Lagno — Mariya Muzychuk.
Links
Goryachkina extends her lead in round in round 10.
Aleksandra Goryachkina extends her lead in round 9.
Goryachkina extends her lead in round 8.
Rest day at the Women’s Candidate Tournament.
Goryachkina extends her lead in round 6.
Goryachkina grabs the lead in the Women’s Candidate Tournament.
Promotional video for the 2019 Women’s Candidates Tournament done by Kim Bhari.
Article on the Opening Ceremony.
