FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Monaco 17 to 28 February, 2025

[Mick Norris]

website

Preview FIDE and Chessbase

[Paul Cooksey]

First round today had good commentary on the FIDE youtube channel.

In the absence of the top men playing classical this is a welcome event for me.

[Mick Norris]

xhess.com round 4 report

GM Kateryna Lagno said, "It’s been a long time since I played such a beautiful game" after defeating GM Elisabeth Paehtz to take the sole lead in the 2025 Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix on 3/4

[Mick Norris]

Final ranking

Report

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.

Goryachkina remains the clear favorite in the overall Grand Prix standings and will play her third and final leg in Cyprus (March 14-25). Will she cement her place at the top? Meanwhile, Munguntuul, who had a tough start in Shymkent but shone in Monaco, will return for the Indian leg (April 13-24).

[Matt Mackenzie]

Sara Khadem (yes, I'm using the shortened version of her name) achieved notoriety in this event for resigning in a theoretically drawn position.