"VAN" (Sports Desk - 28.02.2025) :: We have reached the end of a spectacular Grand Prix leg in Monaco, filled with intense battles, unexpected turns, and a newly crowned champion.
After nine grueling rounds, three players—Aleksandra Goryachkina, Batkhuyag Munguntuul, and Humpy Koneru—finished tied for first place. However, it was Goryachkina who emerged as the tournament winner, securing her second Grand Prix leg victory, thanks to the superiour Sonneborn-Berger tiebreak.
The final round delivered high-stakes drama, with Munguntuul and Goryachkina drawing their encounter, allowing Humpy Koneru to join them at the top after defeating Bibisara Assaubayeva. Meanwhile, Alexandra Kosteniuk bounced back with a victory over Elisabeth Paehtz, Tan Zhongyi and Harika Dronavalli drew, and in a shocking twist, Sarasadat Khademalsharieh defeated Kateryna Lagno, dashing her hopes for the title.
Yesterday’s results had already reshaped the leaderboard, with Goryachkina and Munguntuul catching up to Lagno, setting up a final-round showdown. The stakes were high: a win in Munguntuul-Goryachkina would likely secure first place for the winner, while Lagno needed a victory against Khademalsharieh to stay in contention. With everything on the line, the last round was a fitting climax to an unforgettable event.
Round 9 results
Batkhuyag Munguntuul 1/2-1/2 Aleksandra Goryachkina
Alexandra Kosteniuk 1-0 Elisabeth Paehtz
Tan Zhongyi 1/2-1/2 Harika Dronavalli
Humpy Koneru 1-0 Bibisara Assaubayeva
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh 1-0 Kateryna Lagno
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