Harika Dronavalli (India) needed to win as White to tie the match score against Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) in the semifinal of the Women’s World Chess Championship.
In a slow maneuvering game the Indian advanced her pawns on the queenside, and Stefanova pushed on the kingside.
As the game got more open, Black sacrificed a piece for White’s three central pawns and obtained a big advantage. However, Stefanova did not try to win the game outright and just forced a draw by repetition, securing the match victory. Now the former World Champion will have a chance to win her second title.
Antoaneta Stefanova
Anna Ushenina (Ukraine) and Ju Wenjun (China) agreed to an early draw. The Chinese was unable to get an opening advantage with White and offered a draw on the 18th move.
Tomorrow, November 25th, the tie-break will determine the second participant of the final match. It will be the fifth tie-break at this championship for Ju Wenjun, and the second one for Ushenina.
Replay the games with computer analysis
Anna Ushenina arriving for the game with Ju Wenjun
Semifinal results:
Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) – Harika Dronavalli (India) 1.5-0.5
Anna Ushenina (Ukraine) – Ju Wenjun (China) 1-1
