Hou Yifan Advances to Quarterfinals of 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship

Women’s world number-one Hou Yifan has advanced to the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship after a hard-fought victory over qualifier IM Anastasia Bodnaruk. Despite a late surge from Bodnaruk, Hou’s earlier dominance in the match secured her a spot in the next round.

The match saw Hou showcase her skills in the 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1 time controls, with a standout performance in the 3+1 segment where she secured a 4-0 whitewash. Despite Bodnaruk’s strong showing in the final games, Hou’s lead was insurmountable.

Looking ahead, Hou will face IM Polina Shuvalova in the Quarterfinals, setting up a rematch from their previous encounter in 2023. The tournament continues with Round-of-16 matches scheduled for Wednesday, promising more exciting chess action.

The Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship features some of the top female chess players competing for a $75,000 prize fund. With intense matches and thrilling gameplay, the championship is a must-watch for chess fans around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and don’t miss the upcoming matches!