President of the Corsican Chess Federation, Léo Battesti, introduces the players
Both Sergey Fedorchuk and Hou Yifan could hardly be considered underdogs, as both were among the highest rated, and both held exactly the same 2673 rating. If on the one hand Hou Yifan had the vigor of youth on her side, she had also scraped through a non-stop series of tiebreakers suggesting a certain vulnerability in the tournament, while Fedorchuk had just beaten Anand.
Sergey Fedorchuk and Hou Yifan shake hands before game one
The final was held in Ajaccio, after the first stages had played out in Bastia, and here too the emphasis was to promote the noble game with children as a large Youth Open sponsored by BNP Paribas took place on the last day. Last year this open had attracted 190 players, and it was a tribute to the year-long efforts that this time over 240 showed up, representing over 40 clubs. The children also got the chance to follow the final in the large theatre, adding a dose of enthusiasm that is not always customary in chess tournaments.
Once more a tournament for youths was organized, this time in Ajaccio
The start faced the sort of problem organizers can only smile from ear to ear at: far more
players than expected
The children were gien trophies and items as prizes, such as books and electronics
Still, the highlight had to be receiving the prize from the hands of the finalists
In game one, then Chinese player had white and probably surprised her opponent by choosing 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 and entering a Vienna game. Fedorchuk responded well at first, but as his time began to dwindle, he found it hard to keep up with Yifan's tactics, and suddenly after 33.e5! the position swung irrevocably. Though White missed chances to end Black's resistance earlier, Fedorchuk was always the one in survival mode and a blunder on move 52 ended it.
This was great news for Hou Yifan's fans as they could now see an important win in her horizon, but in game two she would be black and there was ample opportunity for the Ukrainian to equalize.
After Fedorchuk's capitulation, there followed long minutes of thunderous applause in a standing ovation. Hou Yifan's win in the Corsican Circuit cannot be understated. It was a competition with many very strong grandmasters, all hardened in the ruthless world of Swiss opens, and of course Anand himself who will soon be embarking on his campaign to regain his World Champion title. Hou Yifan had recently stormed into the world Top 100, but how deep a dent she would make was as yet unclear, but this victory will go far into silencing even her most ardent skeptics. If any exist still, that is.
Hou Yifan accepts the trophy in honor of her momentous win
A picture with the finalists Sergey Fedorchuk, Hou Yifan, and the organizers
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About Hou Yifan
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| Hou Yifan is the second female in history to official break into the ranks of the absolute Top 100. One of the great prodigies, she became a full-fledged grandmaster at the ripe age of fourteen years six months and two days. While Judit Polgar has held the title of strongest female for 25 years, Hou Yifan has narrowed the gap to just two Elo as of the latest ratings list with 2673 Elo. It is a safe bet that she will eventually break the 2700 barrier, after which it would appear her only limits are her ambition. |
Photos from the official site
LinksThe games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 12 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |
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