Exciting Results in Round 4 of 2024 Shymkent FIDE Women’s Grand Prix
GMs Koneru Humpy and Aleksandra Goryachkina both secured their second consecutive victories in the 2024 Shymkent FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, catching up to GM Tan Zhongyi in the lead after round four. IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul continued her rollercoaster performance by defeating GM Kateryna Lagno, while GM Elisabeth Paehtz announced her plans to retire after the current Grand Prix series.
In a surprising turn of events, Paehtz revealed in a candid interview that she never truly loved the game of chess but rather the world around it. Despite her draw with IM Bibisara Assaubayeva, Paehtz expressed her intentions to explore coaching or business opportunities post-retirement.
The round also saw Goryachkina’s impressive victory over Stavroula Tsolakidou, ending the latter’s 12-game unbeaten streak in the Grand Prix series. Humpy also showcased her skills by outlasting Nurgyul Salimova in a strategic battle, while Munguntuul’s win over Lagno left the latter struggling in the standings.
As the tournament heads into round five, all eyes will be on the clash between leaders Tan and Goryachkina. The 2024 Shymkent FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is part of the 2024-2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series, with players vying for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates as the competition heats up in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.