by Shahid Ahmed for Chessbase India
GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) etched her name in history by winning the very first edition of Tata Steel Chess India 2022 Women Rapid. Both Ushenina and GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO) scored 6.5/9. As per the tradition of Tata Steel Chess tournaments, the champion is always decided with Playoff matches. The former Women's World champion and 44th Chess Olympiad Gold medalist, Ushenina won both her Blitz tie-break games to finish first. Her opponent Dzagnidze was placed second. GM Harika Dronavalli scored sole 5.5/9 to finish third. Apart from the winner, Harika was the only other player to remain unbeaten. Today is a rest day. Blitz event starts tomorrow Saturday 3rd December 2022 from 12 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes
Humpy and Vaishali score 5/9
GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) and GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO) both showed vulnerability in their games. Yet, they managed to remain unbeaten until the tie-breaks. It was Ushenina who prevailed in the Playoff games to clinch the tournament. Team Gold medal and individual Silver at the 44th Chess Olympiad, Team and individual Gold medal at European Club Cup for Women for ASVOe Pamhagen and now winner of the first-ever Tata Steel Chess India 2022 Women. It has certainly been a great year for her.
Winner of Tata Steel Chess India 2022 Women Rapid - GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Top 3 (L to R) - 2nd GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO), 1st GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) and 3rd GM Harika Dronavalli | Photo: ChessBase India
Round 7: Anna Ushenina - Mariya: 1-0
GM Anna Ushenina (UKR, 2371) started the day with a win against her 44th Olympiad Gold medalist teammate GM Mariya Muzychuk (UKR, 2476).
Position after 28...a5
28...a5 might seem okay but there is slight problem, a decisive one. Try to find it out. White found it and won the game in the next two moves.
