Three decisive results in classical chess
Round nine of the Norway Chess Women tournament saw a major shift at the top of the standings, as all three games ended decisively in classical play. Anna Muzychuk took the lead with a crucial win over defending champion Ju Wenjun, while former sole leader Humpy Koneru was defeated by Lei Tingjie after misplaying from a winning position. In the remaining game, Sara Khadem scored her second classical win of the event, defeating Vaishali Rameshbabu with the black pieces.
Muzychuk, who had entered the round trailing Humpy by one point, now stands alone atop the standings with one round to go. Her win over Ju allowed her to leapfrog both Humpy and the Chinese representative in one go. Meanwhile, Lei’s victory over Humpy halted the leader's momentum and kept her own hopes alive.
In the final round, Muzychuk will face Vaishali with the white pieces, while Humpy and Ju are set to play one another.
Standings after round 9
Rk |
Name |
FED |
Rtg |
Pts |
1 |
Anna Muzychuk |
UKR |
2526 |
15½ |
2 |
Humpy Koneru |
IND |
2543 |
13½ |
3 |
Lei Tingjie |
CHN |
2552 |
13 |
4 |
Ju Wenjun |
CHN |
2580 |
12½ |
5 |
Vaishali R |
IND |
2475 |
9½ |
6 |
Sara Khadem |
SPA |
2449 |
9 |
The King‘s Indian Attack is a universal opening: easy to learn, flexible, and rich in both tactical and positional opportunities.

Sara Khadem deafeted Vaishali Rameshbabu | Photo: Michal Walusza
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.

Ju Wenjun facing Anna Muzychuk in an all-important encounter | Photo: Michal Walusza
Doesn’t every chess game get decided by mistakes? Absolutely. But most players never truly comprehend that they are making the same kind of mistakes over and over again.

Lei Tingjie | Photo: Michal Walusza
All games - Classical
All games - Armageddon
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