Hou Yifan and Anastasia Avramidou Advance to Quarterfinals of 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship
Exciting Matches Highlight Round of 16 as Top Players Battle for Glory
Hou Yifan and Anastasia Avramidou Shine in Women’s Speed Chess Championship Round of 16
In a thrilling conclusion to the Round of 16 matches of the 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship, world number-one GM Hou Yifan and WGM Anastasia Avramidou emerged victorious, securing their spots in the quarterfinals. The matches, held on Monday, showcased the incredible skill and determination of these top female chess players.
Dominance on Display: Hou Yifan vs. Dinara Wagner
Hou Yifan, the reigning champion, delivered a masterclass performance against IM Dinara Wagner, winning decisively with a score of 13.5 to 2.5. The match was characterized by Hou’s strategic brilliance, as she lost only two games throughout the hour and a half of play. Her victory not only earned her $2,765.63 but also sent a clear message to her upcoming opponent, GM Anna Muzychuk.
The match began with a 5+1 segment where Hou took an early lead, winning four games to Wagner’s one. Despite a brief resurgence from Wagner, who managed to equalize in the second game, Hou quickly regained control, showcasing her tactical prowess with a series of knight sacrifices that left spectators in awe.
In the subsequent 3+1 segment, Wagner managed to snag a win, but it was Hou who dominated, winning three consecutive games and solidifying her lead. The bullet segment was a complete sweep for Hou, who won all six games, leaving Wagner with no chance to recover.
Upset Alert: Avramidou vs. Polina Shuvalova
In a stunning upset, WGM Anastasia Avramidou edged out IM Polina Shuvalova in a nail-biting match that ended 7.5 to 6.5. Avramidou’s journey to victory was marked by resilience, as she turned the tide in the bullet segment after trailing for much of the match.
Shuvalova initially took the lead, winning the first segment 3-2. However, Avramidou kept the pressure on, winning crucial games to stay in contention. The 3+1 segment saw both players trading victories, but it was Avramidou’s performance in the bullet games that ultimately secured her advancement.
In a dramatic finish, Avramidou won the last two bullet games, including a remarkable comeback after blundering a pawn. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure was pivotal in her victory, earning her $2,303.57.
Looking Ahead
The quarterfinals promise to be just as exciting, with the first match featuring GM Divya Deshmukh against GM Bibisara Assaubayeva on July 16. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more high-stakes chess action from the world’s top female players.
The 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship, running from July 6-31, features a $75,000 prize fund and showcases the incredible talent of female chess players in a single-elimination format. With only eight players remaining, the competition is heating up, and every match is a battle for glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the championship unfolds!