China v. India
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The first games of the Women’s World Cup semifinals in Batumi ended with two draws, leaving both matches to be decided in the second classical game on Wednesday. The semifinals have effectively taken on the character of a China–India matchup, with Chinese representatives Lei Tingjie and Tan Zhongyi facing Indian opponents Humpy Koneru and Divya Deshmukh, respectively.
The King‘s Indian Attack is a universal opening: easy to learn, flexible, and rich in both tactical and positional opportunities.Beyond qualification for the final, three of the four semifinalists will also earn a spot in the next Women’s Candidates Tournament, adding further significance to the outcome.
Lei Tingjie, playing white against Humpy Koneru, entered the game as slight favourite based on her recent performance and live rating. However, it was Humpy who surprised her opponent in the opening, forcing Lei to avoid complications and steer the game into quieter territory. Although Lei appeared to have chances for an edge in the middlegame, the balance shifted, and by the end it was Humpy who had the more comfortable position.
The game ultimately ended in a draw, but not without strategic tension on both sides.
Humpy Koneru being interviewed by Michael Rahal | Photo: Anna Shtourman
The other board saw a shorter and more balanced game between Tan Zhongyi and Divya Deshmukh. Playing Black, Divya handled the opening solidly and achieved equality without much difficulty. Tan, who has remained undefeated throughout the tournament, was unable to create serious winning chances and the players agreed to a draw in what was a quiet but correct performance by both.
The second games will take place on Wednesday, with the colours reversed: Humpy and Divya will have the white pieces. With both matches still tied, a decisive result in either game would secure a place in the final and an automatic qualification for the Candidates. If both matches are drawn again, the outcomes will be decided in tiebreaks.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Invisible moves
Tan Zhongyi | Photo: Anna Shtourman
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