Women's Candidates 2022-23 Pool A QF: Anna Muzychuk advances to the Semifinals

by Shahid Ahmed - 31/10/2022

Anna Muzychuk (UKR) defeated Koneru Humpy to advance to the Semifinals of Women's Candidates 2022-23 Pool A. After a draw in the first two games, Anna had decisive advantage in the third tie-break, first Blitz game. She missed her opportunity and Humpy forced a draw by perpetual check. In the fourth game, the India no.1 and World no.3 made a simple one move blunder which cost her the game. Anna will face Lei Tingjei (CHN) in the Semifinals. The former got the white pieces in the first game. Today is a rest day. Semifinals start on Tuesday, 1st November at 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Anna Muzychuk vs Lei Tingjie in the Semifinals

Anna Muzychuk made a fantastic comeback after starting the Quarterfinals with a loss | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Anna - Humpy, Tie-break 3

Position after 29...Kb8

30.Nd2 first to block the second rank and prevent any perpetual before going Rg1 ensures a win for White. However, White went 30.Rg1 first which allowed Black to save the half point in the first Blitz game of 5 mins + 3 seconds increment.

The realization of missing a win | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Humpy - Anna, Tie-break 4

Position after 16.Bd2

White blundered 16.Bd2 Bxd4 17.exd4 Qxe2 and White lost material. Humpy resigned immediately which means she got eliminated and Anna advanced to the Semifinals where she will face Lei Tingjie (CHN).

The relief on Anna Muzychuk's face after winning the tie-breaks | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Anna Muzychuk on winning the tiebreak against Koneru and qualifying to the Women Candidates Semis | Video: FIDE

The final handshake after the fourth tie-brea game | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Tie-breaks in progress | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

Drawing of Lots to determine the color for the Semifinals | Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza

The match schedule for Pool A | Photo: Official site

Replay FIDE Women's Candidates 2022-23 Pool A Quarterfinals Tie-break live commentary by IM and WGM Almira Skripchenko and GM Igor-Alexandre Nataf | Video: FIDE

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations

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