The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2022-23 is into its third leg, and it is a huge moment for Indian chess. The start to the event has been rocky. One of the participants, Zhansaya Abdumalik, has withdrawn from the tournament after reaching New Delhi and spending a day at the venue. The players wrote an official letter to the FIDE President, and FIDE responded back with an official statement. Meanwhile, Zhansaya’s compatriot Bibisara Assaubayeva, who is present at the venue, wrote a post on social media voicing her opinions. We try to put it all together in this article. | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
The third stage of the Women’s Grand Prix series, set to take place in New Delhi, did not start as scheduled on Saturday, March 25. It was reported that some of the players were not received by official transport at the airport and that, at the hotel, they were informed that the rooms were not ready and the breakfast was not included in the prize. Due to these conditions, Zhansaya Abdumalik withdrew from the event. FIDE and the eleven remaining players decided that the event would take place anyway, albeit starting on Sunday. | Photo: International Chess Federation
At the Women's Grand Prix in Munich, chess goddess Caissa smiled on Alexandra Kostenuk. Before the last round Kosteniuk was one point ahead of her closes rival Humpy Koneru and only needed a draw to win the tournament. However, Kosteniuk lost against Zhu Jiner, but still won the tournament because Koneru only drew. Ullrich Krause, President of the German Chess Federation, opened the last round. | Photos: David Llada (FIDE)
In round 10 of the Women's Grand Prix tournament in Munich, Koneru Humpy was close to winning against Alexandra Kosteniuk, but eventually had to settle for a draw and missed the chance to catch Kosteniuk at the top of the table. Now, Kosteniuk only needs a draw against Zhu Jiner in the 11th and last round to win the tournament. | Photos: Mark Livshitz (FIDE)
In round 9 of the FIDE Women's Grand Prix in Munich, Alexandra Kosteniuk drew with Black against Nana Dzagnidze and now leads the tournament with 7.0/9. One point behind follows Humpy Koneru who won against Elisabeth Pähtz. In round 10 on Sunday Kosteniuk and Koneru will play against each other. The symbolic first move in the game between Zhansaya Abdumalik and Dinara Wagner was made by Maja Buchholz, German Champion U16 Girls 2022. | Photos: Mark Livshitz (FIDE)