Humpy up against Chinese prodigy
9 Sep 2008, 2321 hrs IST , TNN
PUNE: With due respect to other semifinalists – Pia Cramling of Sweden and Russian Alexandra Kosteniuk – it’s China’s Hou Yifan who stands between Koneru Humpy and the women’s world chess title at Nalchik in Russia.
The Indian world No. 2 (practically No. 1 because Judit Polgar doesn’t play women’s events) takes on Yifan in the semifinals from Wednesday. Often, early rounds and semifinals are the most dangerous stages for a top player.
Humpy, 21, had lost to Sebag Marie of France (Elo 2415) in the second round in the 2006 World championship at Ekaterinburg, Russia, via tiebreak.
In 2004 at Elista, the Indian (Elo 2622) had suffered the heartbreak in the semifinals against Russia’s Ekaterina Kovalevskaya, by choking in a winning position.
And now there is Hou. The 14-year-old Chinese prodigy, quite easily, is the most dangerous opponent in the draw. She had had memorable wins over Smeets, Short, Sutovsky and Sargissian in her short career. And she scored 11 points in 13 rounds in the 2006 Olympiad, winning the individual silver on the reserve board that gave China their team bronze.
Source: Times of India
For all practical purpose, this is the championship this year.
Susan, why does Judit not play much anymore?
I can’t wait to see her at the Olympiad!
In general Humpy is stronger then Hou at this moment though I hope Hou can win.
I agree with the point that has been made Hou – Humpy is real championship match. Unless we are waiting for real surprise from one of the other two. Though I think Humpy is better player than Hou right now, it can be Hou’s big step forward towards glory. I hope Humpy wins this and India can have four world champions at a time. ( Atleast till Oct match between Anand and Kramnik)
Hi all! I don’t think Humpy is a better player than Hou. They are a similar strenght, at the moment and Hou might have better preparation for match play, from her strong Chinese helpers, using computers to develop her openings well. (Also, Humpy was not 2622 in 2004, as in the article) Mark Weidman
This is all a riculous charade. Judit Polgar is the number one woman in the world and would win this tournament with knight odds, blindfolded, etc. etc. Humpy would never stand a chance. Until these women are playing in the same league as Judit I say forget about a Woman’s World Champion.
PHOTO: Hou, 5 years ago, when she won the world under 10 championship at age 9. It’s amazing that she is now in the final 4 of an adult world championship! I bet nobody forsees this. Quite an achievement for a 14 years old.
‘This is all a riculous charade. Judit Polgar is the number one woman in the world and would win this tournament with knight odds, blindfolded, etc. etc. Humpy would never stand a chance. Until these women are playing in the same league as Judit I say forget about a Woman’s World Champion.’
Youre obviuosly a poor bloger with no experience with women. If Judita had plaid, she would drop out in round two or three at the most, as she is not prepared for women’s 2500 tricks and winks.
Hope Hou Yufan to own Humpy and win the championship, she’s awesone.
and the censorship continues in this site :S