The temptation to play actively led Polgar to a faulty decision:
20...d4?
A tactical challenge that plays into Hou's hand. Polgar should have waited, but it is not her style.
21.e5+!
Nxe5
22.Ne4+
Ke7
23.Nxg5
h6?
[An unfortunate move, dropping a pawn. But even after the better 23...f6
24.Ne4
Rd8
25.b3
white's pawn structure is healthy and her pieces are more actively placed. Black's pawn on d4 could be a target, the bishop on c8 is dormant.]
24.Nxe6!
Bxe6
[After 24...Kxe6
25.f4
f6
26.b3
threatening a2-a3, black is in trouble: 26...Rd8
(26...c5
27.fxe5
fxe5
28.Rde2+-
) 27.c3
Rb5
28.cxd4
Rbd5
29.Bg4+
Kf7
30.Bxc8
Rxc8
31.dxe5
fxe5
32.Rxe5+-
]
25.Rxe5
Hou is a pawn up and other black pawns are still scattered.
25...Rd8
26.f4
Rb5
27.Rde2
Kf6
28.Bf3
c5
29.a4
Rb4
30.Rxc5
Rxa4
31.b3
Rb4
32.Be4
Bg4
33.Re1
Rd6
34.Bd3
Bd7
35.Ree5
Be6
36.Kd2
Rbb6
37.Ra5
Rbc6
38.Ra4
Rb6
39.Re4
Bf5
40.Rexd4
The time control is over and Hou brings the two pawn advantage home.
40...Re6
41.Bc4
Rec6
42.Ra5
Bc8
43.Bd3
Be6
44.Rd8
Bc8
45.Rad5
Be6
46.Rh5
Kg7
47.f5
[The finishing combination is pretty 47.f5
Bc8
48.f6+!!
Kxf6
49.Rxc8
Rxc8
50.Rxh6+
and wins. Judit didn't want to see any of it.] 1-0