The defending champion is eliminated
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The second-round tiebreaks of the Women’s World Cup in Batumi brought several surprises and hard-fought battles, most notably the elimination of one of the tournament favourites, GM Aleksandra Goryachkina. The 2023 champion was knocked out by Kazakhstan’s IM Meruert Kamalidenova, who had already defeated her in the first classical game. Although Goryachkina levelled the score in the second classical encounter, she faltered in the rapid section. A mistake in a minor piece endgame during the first rapid game gave Kamalidenova the lead, and despite Goryachkina’s attempts in the second game, she was unable to recover, exiting the event in a major upset.
Another top player to fall was IM Alina Kashlinskaya, who lost both rapid games to 19-year-old WIM Umida Omonova of Uzbekistan. Omonova showed composure and precision, converting her chances convincingly. Kashlinskaya had attacking chances in the second game but failed to capitalise, and Omonova’s 2-0 score in the tiebreaks was a standout performance. The young Uzbek WIM came from knocking out Sophie Milliet in what was also an upset victory in the tournament’s first round.
Umida Omonova knocked out Sophie Milliet and Alina Kashlinskaya, two higher-rated opponents, in consecutive rounds | Photo: Anna Shtourman
Many other favourites had to endure extended matches. The Muzychuk sisters both faced stiff resistance. GM Anna Muzychuk managed to win her match against IM Inna Gaponenko in the second rapid game after two classical draws and a tense first rapid draw. GM Mariya Muzychuk was forced to win three games in a row against WGM Thalia Cervantes after losing the first rapid encounter. Her comeback included a swift victory in one of the games.
GM Kateryna Lagno also required all her experience to get past FM Anastasia Avramidou. The Greek player held her own throughout, but Lagno ultimately prevailed with a 4-2 score after a gruelling tiebreaker that extended into the final blitz set. GM Alexandra Kosteniuk similarly came close to elimination, but the 2021 champion found her stride just in time, overcoming IM Padmini Rout in the third tiebreak phase.
In other closely contested matches, China’s IM Lu Miaoyi narrowly defeated IM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova 3½-2½ after alternating wins in classical and rapid games. The Chinese prodigy eventually decided the match in the second 10-minute game.
Chinese prodigy Lu Miaoyi, aged 15, playing white against Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova | Photo: Anna Shtourman
Meanwhile, GM Antoaneta Stefanova advanced with a 3½-2½ score over GM Elina Danielian after six evenly matched games. IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya also progressed, winning the second rapid game against IM Lilit Mkrtchian after a long and balanced opening game.
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Among the clearer victories were IM Klaudia Kulon’s 2-0 result against WIM Priyanka K and the similar smooth progression by IM Song Yuxin against IM Mai Narva. Song, after sacrificing the exchange to win the first game, benefited from Narva’s must-win situation in the second and duly capitalised.
Finally, GM Anna Ushenina was eliminated in a marathon tiebreak against IM Vantika Agrawal. Their match lasted eight games, with Vantika eventually edging out the former women’s world champion in the final blitz set.
It is time to celebrate for Vantika Agrawal! | Photo: Anna Shtourman
As a result, several pre-tournament favourites have already exited the competition, while rising stars and experienced fighters alike have secured their places in the third round.
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Kamalidenova 1-0 Goryachkina (rapid game #1)
Analysis by André Schulz
Meruert Kamalidenova enjoying her post-match interview | Photo: Anna Shtourman
