Only one of the five games in the fourth round of the Monaco Women's Grand Prix ended decisively. Kateryna Lagno, who began the round as one of four co-leaders, demonstrated impressive calculation skills to defeat Elisabeth Paehtz in a tactical encounter that featured mutual time trouble. Having played with the white pieces in three of her first four games, Lagno's victory allowed her to emerge as the sole leader with 3/4 points.
The remaining four games ended in draws, though Sara Khadem came closest to securing a full point. She obtained a promising position with all six major pieces still on the board but was unable to convert her advantage against Batkhuyag Munguntuul.
Meanwhile, Aleksandra Goryachkina pressed for a win deep into the endgame against top seed Tan Zhongyi, extending the struggle to 93 moves, but ultimately could not break through in what was objectively a drawn position.
With the tournament remaining tightly contested, Lagno will look to maintain her lead in Saturday's fifth round, the last before the rest day. She will face Munguntuul with the black pieces in a key matchup.
Sara Khadem is one of three players standing a half point behind the leader | Photo: Niki Riga
Kateryna Lagno being interviewed by Charlize van Zyl | Photo: Niki Riga
The playing hall during round four | Photo: Niki Riga
