More players sent packing but the Russian Chess Queen moves on

Twelve players will return tomorrow to play tie-breaks. 

The second games of the second round were played on Thursday, November 15^th.

The players demonstrated very tense and spectacular chess, and there were many decisive games. Predicting the outcome of most encounters was nearly impossible. The outcome in many games was impossible to predict during the course of the round, because the evaluation was changing constantly, and emotions often prevailed over logic.

The main headline of the day was the loss of the World Champion Hou Yifan (China), who had White against grandmaster Monika Socko (Poland). Monika demosntrated exceptional determination and won on demand (she lost her first round game, so winning the second one was a must) with Black pieces, which is a big achievement. Tomorrow this match will be continued on tie-break.

Natalia Zhukova (Ukraine) played another great game against the rating favorite of the tournament Humpy Koneru (India) and won the match with the perfect score.

The Russian derby Gunina-Galliamova ended in favor of the experienced Alisa Galliamova, who won today with Black pieces. Natalia Pogonina won another very tough match against Alexandra Kosteniuk (both – Russia) and advanced to the next round. The Russian Tatiana Kosintseva completely crushed the defensive line of Hoang Thanh Trang (Hungary) and also proceeded to the third round. Olga Girya (Russia) lost to Marie Sebag (France) and was knocked out from the championship.

In the match of the former World Champions Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) defeated Zhu Chen (Qatar). Harika Dronavalli (India) and Maria Muzychuk (Ukraine) won against Elina Danielian (Armenia) and Maritza Arribas (Cuba) respectively and also advanced to the next stage. Lela Javakhishvili (Georgia) took the upper hand in a lengthy battle with Kateryna Lahno (Ukraine).