Carissa Yip convincingly clinches 5th Cairns Cup, Harika Dronavalli third

IM Carissa Yip (USA) drew an interesting game against IM Alice Lee (USA) in the final round to win 5th Cairns Cup. Carissa was winning for the significant part of the game. However, in the end, a draw was also enough for her to become a clear champion. After a slow start 1.5/4 due to illness as she mentioned in the post-game interview, she scored 4.5 in the next five games to become the champion and also score a GM-norm. Her opponent, Alice secured place scoring 5.5/9. GM Harika Dronavalli drew against IM Alina Kashlinskaya (POL) to be placed third 5/9. GM Koneru Humpy lost her final round game against GM Mariya Muzychuk (UKR). Humpy, GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO), GM Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ) and Kashlinskaya shared fourth place with a 50% score 4.5/9. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Saint Louis Chess Club