4th Cairns Cup R7-8: Anna Muzychuk's win over Kosteniuk helps Zhongyi Tan extend her sole lead
22/06/2024 -GM Zhongyi Tan (CHN) extended her sole lead to 5.5/8 at 4th Cairns Cup 2024. GM Anna Muzychuk's (UKR) first and crucial win over GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (SUI) in the penultimate round, assisted Zhongyi to gain a full point gap. It means Zhongyi just needs a draw against Kosteniuk in the final round to become the champion. It goes without saying that the tournament is far from over as Kosteniuk has played seven decisive games out of eight. GM Harika Dronavalli survived a scare against Anna in the seventh round. She managed to salvage a half point by going for a perpetual check. In the penultimate round, Harika had a solid draw with the tournament leader, Zhongyi. Five women - GM Mariya Muzychuk (UKR), GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO), Anna Muzychuk, Kosteniuk and Harika are at 4.5/8 each. Round 9 starts today at 1 p.m. local time, 11:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club/Lennart Ootes