Chess Stalwart Koneru Humpy Wins Cairns Cup, Becomes World No. 2

Koneru Humpy, Indian Chess Grandmaster moved to no. 2 in the world rankings after winning the Cairns Cup Chess Tournament. Humpy won the tournament following a draw against her competitor Dronavalli Harika in the ninth and final round. With this, she has claimed her second title in the last two months. She gained five ELO rating points for this win. (the basis for international rankings).

Read Also: Koneru Humpy Finishes 12th In Chess Blitz World Championship

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Koneru Humpy wins the Carns Cup Chess Tournament.
• She has gained five ELO rating points and attained the No. 2  position in the world. She received USD 45,000 for the triumph.
• This is the second title she has claimed in the last two months. 
• The Chess stalwart has left no stones unturned after returning from her two-year-long maternity sabbatical.

Humpy finished the tournament with 6 points. "I am very happy to have won such a strong tournament. It also reminds me that winning the world rapid title was no flash in the pan," said the proud chess player after her historic win as per a report by IndiaToday.

Koneru Humpy required only a draw in the last round to at least tie for the first place and compete for the coveted top prize. She secured the draw late on Sunday without much difficulty by playing a sturdy line of Four knights. The tournament she has aced in is one of the strongest competitions world over. She received USD 45,000 for winning the title. Since September 2019, the Indian star has won the first event of the Grand Prix series in Skolkovo, stood second at the second stage in Monaco, became Women's World Rapid Champion and has now secured the first place at the Cairns Cup.

"I am very happy to have won such a strong tournament. It also reminds me that winning the world rapid title was no flash in the pan."

Humpy, who is currently leading the FIDE Women's Grand Prix Series, aims to qualify for the Candidates 2020 scheduled in March-April. The first round was against the 16-year old American Carissa Yip and Humpy registered an easy win. However, she lost the second round to Mariya Muzychuk before gaining her lead back and staying in the game for the rest of the rounds. She played a solid game to hold against the world champion, Wenjun Ju. The second last round was extremely crucial, where Humpy was unswerving and won over Valentina Gunina.

As per the Indian star, the toughest match in the event was against the former World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in the seventh round. "It helped me keep my unbeaten record against her in five games," she said. The chess expert now aims to perform her level best in the Grand Prix in Italy in May. Later, she will be competing in the PSPB tournaments in India.

The 32-year-old from Gudivada became the youngest female player ever to achieve the GM title back in 2002. She is an inspiration for Indian women who step back from pursuing their dreams after starting a family.

Read Also: Indian Origin Teen Becomes Ireland’s First International Chess Master

Saavriti is an intern with SheThePeople.TV