Monaco GP: Lagno prevails in tactical battle, gets the sole lead

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
2/22/2025 – Kateryna Lagno emerged as the sole leader of the Monaco Women’s Grand Prix after securing the only decisive result in round four. She defeated Elisabeth Paehtz in a tactical encounter marked by mutual time trouble, bringing her score to 3/4 points. Meanwhile, Sara Khadem missed a chance to convert a promising position, and Aleksandra Goryachkina pushed until move 93 but could not break through against Tan Zhongyi. Lagno will now face Batkhuyag Munguntuul with the black pieces in the fifth round. | Photo: FIDE / Niki Riga

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A fine victory

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

Sara Khadem is one of three players standing a half point behind the leader | Photo: Niki Riga

Lagno 1 - 0 Paehtz

Kateryna Lagno

Kateryna Lagno being interviewed by Charlize van Zyl | Photo: Niki Riga

Women's Grand Prix

The playing hall during round four | Photo: Niki Riga

Round 4 results

Standings

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Topics: Kateryna Lagno, Women's Grand Prix 2024/25
Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.
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