Tan Zhongyi Wins 2024 Cairns Cup and $50,000 First Prize

GM Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious in the 2024 Cairns Cup after a quick draw with GM Alexandra Kosteniuk secured her the $50,000 first prize. Tan finished with a 6/9 score, claiming her first-ever super-GM tournament victory and reaching a new FIDE rating high of 2545.

In a thrilling final round, GM Anna Muzychuk secured outright second place and a $40,000 prize by defeating IM Alice Lee. Meanwhile, a four-way tie for third place among GMs Alexandra Kosteniuk, Harika Dronavalli, Nana Dzagnidze, and Mariya Muzychuk led to each player receiving a $19,000 payout.

Tan expressed the challenges she faced throughout the tournament, stating, “The process was much more dangerous for me than it looked. For several games I was having to fight for the draw, especially yesterday. That was really challenging.” She now has her sights set on achieving a 2600 FIDE rating and reclaiming the women’s world championship title in 2025.

Kosteniuk, happy with her draw in the final round, showcased a calm and balanced style of play. Muzychuk’s gritty win against Lee allowed her to secure second place, while Harika missed a small opportunity to establish authority in her game against Elisabeth Paehtz.

The Cairns Cup concluded with attention shifting to the upcoming Superbet Romania Classic, the first leg of the Grand Chess Tour. The tournament featured a strong lineup of players, including Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Gukesh Dommaraju, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.

The 2024 Cairns Cup, with a $200,000 prize fund, showcased some of the best women players in the world and provided an exciting display of chess talent and competition.