Kovalevskaya v Stefanova

By Arvind Aaron

Koneru Humpy put up a brave fight but yet went down 1-1, 0.5-1.5 to Ekaterina Kovalevskaya of Russia in the semi-finals of the World Women's Championship being played at Elista, in Russia on June 1.

Trailing by a game, Humpy made a scintillating comeback in classical chess to draw level the scores at 1-1. That comeback went in vain as the tie-break went against her. Again, with the black pieces, Humpy lost a rook for bishop in the middlegame and all her efforts to stage a recovery failed. Down by a game for the second time in the match, Humpy won a piece in the middlegame but the clever Russian was able to force a draw in a theoretically drawn position. Humpy who had the white pieces was left with a bishop and wrong colour rook pawn.

It was Humpy's first appearance in the event and a remarkable one. The teenaged Indian World No.3 is sure to be a top contender in future world events. She will leave Russia with her richest purse ever.

Kovalevskaya will meet Stefanova of Bulgaria in the 4-game finals. Stefanova, won two pawns and a nice game against former champion Maya Chiburdanidze with the black pieces to earn the final spot. The Bulgarian is likely to be the favourite after her 1.5-0.5 win over Chiburdanidze.

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