“GM Kosteniuk Joins Leaders at Cairns Cup 2024 After Victory Over GM Dzagnidze”
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk has made a strong statement at the Cairns Cup 2024, joining the leaders on 2/3 after a brilliant victory over GM Nana Dzagnidze in round three. While other leaders GMs Harika Dronavalli, Mariya Muzychuk, and Tan Zhongyi settled for draws in their games, Kosteniuk’s win propelled her to the top of the standings.
In another key matchup, GM Elisabeth Paehtz pressed with Black against GM Irina Krush, but Krush managed to weather the time trouble and secure a draw in an opposite-colored bishop endgame.
The tournament, which features some of the strongest female players in the world, has been a showcase of top-level chess. The $200,000 prize fund highlights the significance of the event for women’s chess, with the $50,000 first prize being a testament to the competitive nature of the tournament.
As round three concluded, all eyes are now on the upcoming matchups in round four, where the leading players will have the white pieces. With Kosteniuk, Dronavalli, Muzychuk, and Zhongyi all in contention, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the Cairns Cup 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the tournament progresses, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of women’s chess at its finest.