The third round of the Candidates Tournament 2024 was certainly more peaceful than the round 2. Only two games finished with a decisive result, and the victories were delivered by the most famous brother and sister chess duo – IM Vaishali R and GM Praggnanandhaa R.
Vaishali Rameshbabu prevailed against Nurgyul Salimova to score her first win in the tournament. Salimova opted for Petroff as Black, but Vaishali went for an aggressive continuation and heterogeneous castles. Vaishali’s attack didn’t look very dangerous, but she proved that she’s not joking with it sacrificing a knight in the 14th move.
Salimova cracked under the pressure and made a crucial mistake with 16…Bg5?? That was enough for the young Indian to gain a decisive advantage and finish the game with the desired result.
Vaishali R – Nurgyul Salimova 1-0
Yesterday’s round saw some interesting openings. One of them happened in the game between Lei Tingjie and Aleksandra Goryachkina where the Chinese went for the Evans Gambit!
Goryachkina spent a lot of time to answer it, and didn’t go for the main line. When the dust settled, it was clear that the position is fairly balanced. Both players kept their preciseness until the end, and eventually agreed to a draw in the endgame.
Lei Tingjie vs Aleksandra Goryachkina 1/2-1/2
The leader in the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, Tan Zhongyi, faced Humpy Koneru yesterday. Tan Zhongyi seemed relaxed and satisfied with a draw with black. After a calm opening, the players signed a draw in the 32nd move.
“I am not really satisfied with the game. It’s not about the draw, but I couldn’t really continue with the game. She’s very well prepared,” said Koneru.
Humpy Koneru vs Tan Zhongyi 1/2-1/2
Anna Muzychuk missed her winning chances against Kateryna Lagno. The opening did not look very exciting, but Muzychuk created a very dangerous mate net around Black’s King.
And when it looked it’s all over for Lagno, Anna missed a winning motive and the position went back to equality.
Anna Muzychuk vs Kateryna Lagno 1/2-1/2
Photos by FIDE/ Michal Walusza
