Jermuk Chess Grand Prix R9: Hou Yifan Takes Sole Lead

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012

Hi everyone,

Koneru Humpy

China's Ju Wenjun was not able to hold her lead in the ninth round played at the Jermuk Women's Chess Grand Prix in Armenia. The Chinese drew with Lilit Mkrtchian and conceded a half-point lead to compatriot Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan. The latter beat Ekaterina Kovalevskaya. However, Wenjun earned a men's GM norm for her excellent form in the tournament so far. You can replay the Kovalevskaya-Yifan game with Chess King.

In other games of Round 9, Ruan beat Zhao Xue, Nadezhda Kosintseva and Elina Danielian drew a tense match, Kateryna Lahno let Nino Khurtsidze slip away with a draw. The game between Batkhuyag Munguntuul and Koneru Humpy also ended in a draw as the Indian played safe after two losses.

Standings after Round 9 have Hou Yifan at 6.5 points followed by Ju Wenjun at 6.0 and Ruan Lufei at 5.5. Nadezhda Kosintseva and Kateryna Lahno are both at 5.0. Humpy and Zhao have 4.5 points each. Danielian and Mkrtchian both have 4.0 points. Munguntuul is at 3.5, Kovalevskaya at 3.0 and Khurtsidze at 2.5 points. Two more rounds have to be played.

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