Aleksandra Goryachkina, the top seed in the Women’s Candidates, remained dangerously close behind tournament leader Tan Zhongyi in the standings. In round 10, though, the Russian GM suffered her first loss of the event, as she was defeated by an in-form Lei Tingjie. Goryachkina is now tied for third place with Kateryna Lagno, a full point behind Tan and Lei.
Co-leaders Tan and Lei coincidentally played in the final of the latest edition of the Women’s Candidates — which had been played as a knockout tournament. In the all-Chinese match, Lei obtained a clear 3½-1½ victory to gain the right to face Ju Wenjun in the 2023 match for the Women’s World Championship.
Tan and Lei have already faced each other twice in Toronto, with both games ending decisively, each favouring the player marshalling the black pieces. In the remaining four rounds, Tan has a more difficult schedule, as she still has to face Goryachkina and Lagno.
One more game ended decisively on Monday. Nurgyul Salimova got a clear advantage and then a completely winning position playing white against Vaishali R. However, the Bulgarian IM lost her advantage, and then failed to readjust to the new situation, as she kept pushing for more, which resulted in Vaishali getting the upper hand. Vaishali made the most of her unexpected winning chances to end up prevailing in a wild 88-move encounter.
Vaishali Rameshbabu beat Nurgyul Salimova after having suffered four losses in a row | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Analysis by André Schulz
Aleksandra Goryachkina | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Humpy Koneru got a superior position against Tan Zhongyi | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Tan Zhongyi managed to escape with a draw | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Nurgyul Salimova | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
A smiling Lei Tingjie after joining the lead — will she get a rematch against Ju Wenjun? | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
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