Cairns Cup: Zatonskih widens the gap, Paehtz in sole second place

by Klaus Besenthal
6/10/2023 – In the sixth round of the Cairns Cup played on Friday, Anna Zatonskih won her game with black against Gunay Mammadzada and now stands alone at the top of the standings with a 4½/6 score. Elisabeth Paehtz is in second place after beating Nana Dzagnidze with white to reach a 3½/6 score. Zatonskih’s lead is not quite so clear, however, if you consider that the table is somewhat ‘skewed’ after Humpy Koneru withdrew due to health issues. | Photo: Crystal Fuller
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Paehtz grabs second win

In her game against Elisabeth Paehtz, Nana Dzagnidze lost the thread in a critical phase of the game and played two bad moves in quick succession. Paehtz then had a clear advantage, which she converted into her second victory of the event.

Paehtz now stands in sole second place a full point behind Anna Zatonskih. The tournament leader is set to rest in Saturday’s seventh round, while Paehtz will face Bella Khotenashvili with the black pieces.

Elisabeth Paehtz

Fully focused — Elisabeth Paehtz | Photo: Bryan Adams

Results - Round 6

Standings - Round 6

Cairns Cup 2023

All games

In a total of 6 chapters, we look at the following aspects: the right decision based on tactical factors, decisions in exchanges and moves, complex and psychological decisions in longer games and in defence.

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Klaus Besenthal is computer scientist, has followed and still follows the chess scene avidly since 1972 and since then has also regularly played in tournaments.