Fight for the FIDE Women’s Candidates places continues as the 2nd leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series 2024-2025, kicked off in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and will take place till November 9!
Except the fight in the World Championship cycle, the players also compete for the 80.000 euros prize fund.
World’s top female players take part in the event:
GM Tan Zhongyi (2551)
GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2533)
GM Kateryna Lagno (2527)
IM Divya Deshmukh (2501)
IM Bibisara Assaubayeva (2487)
GM Elisabeth Paehtz (2458)
IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (2439)
IM Nurgyul Salimova BUL (2405)
IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (2344)
Opening ceremony
The event started with a beautiful opening ceremony, with many distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, present. Except showcasing traditional dances and introducing all of the participants, the guests were treated to an exceptional treat – a fashion show inspired by chess, by a famous designer Aida Kaumenova. All participants of the Grand Prix were also dressed in attire by the designer.
Start of the competition
Rounds start at 15:00 local time, with a time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one.
Already first round brought a lot of tension and Bibisara Assaubayeva, Stavroula Tsolakidou, and Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious. Other games despite finishing in draws were were thrilling as well, especially when watched with a live coverage by the official commentators – IM Irene Sukandar and GM Evgenij Miroshnichenko.
Kateryna Lagno vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina, 1/2
Divya Deshmukh vs. Humpy Koneru, 1/2
Tan Zhongyi vs. Elisabeth Paehtz, 1:0
Batkhuyag Munguntuul vs. Stavroula Tsolakidou, 0:1
Nurgyul Salimova vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva, 0:1
Incredible fans
It is really fitting that Kazakhstan, a chess powerhouse with a very strong female chess tradition, is holding the Grand Prix. It is also thrilling to see a big interest of the event by the local authorities, media and fans. We would love to point out the fact that many youngest fans have an opportunity to access the playing hall, which is a fantastic opportunity for them to be inspired by those iconic chess players that play in the Grand Prix, and grow their appreciation to the strongest female players in the world, who become their idols.
All the information regarding the event, including the live games and results can be found on the official website: https://womengrandprix.fide.com/
