Pogonina Leads FIDE Women’s Grand-Prix

Russian sets the pace with 3.5 score after 4 rounds

photograph © Alina l'Ami, tournament press officer, www.alinalami.com
photograph © Alina l'Ami, tournament press officer | www.alinalami.com

The Women’s FIDE Grand Prix is being held in Tehran, Iran, until the 23rd of February. Competing are: Natalia Pogonina, Nana Dzagnidze, Xue Zhao, Humpy Koneru, Wenjun Ju, Natalia Zhukova, Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, Valentina Gunina, Harika Dronavalli, Antoaneta Stefanova, Nino Batsiashvili and Pia Cramling.

The tournament will be played over 11 rounds. The winner will go forward to play for the Women’s World Championship.

After four rounds, Natalia Pogonina, of Russia, is in the lead with 3½ points. The WGM has dropped only half a point, to Wenjun Ju, in round 3. Around this draw have been wins against Dronavalli Harika, Pia Cramling; and, in round-four on Sunday the 14th of February, the following against Nino Batsiashvili.

About John Lee Shaw 291 Articles
Total chess nut! I enjoy following the chess world and giving my two-penneth. I don't pretend to be an expert, I'm more a knowledgeable enthusiast. My chess writing can also be seen at www.chessimprover.com.