Nurgyul creates history by becoming the first IM to advance to a Women’s World Cup Finals and Candidates
The tenth edition of the FIDE World Cup has been a record-breaking event, all thanks to the Indian players’ outstanding performances. However, the second edition of FIDE Women’s World Cup is not without its own history either. Bulgaria no.2 IM Nurgyul Salimova defeated GM Anna Muzychuk to secure her place in the Finals. Nurgyul will face GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, the former Women’s World Championship Challenger. Anna did not go down without a fight. Once again, she made a comeback in a must-win situation with the black pieces. However, for the second time when the same situation occurred, it was one time too many. She had already made comebacks against GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) and GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER) earlier at this event. Anna will face GM Zhongyi Tan (CHN) for the 3rd-4th place match and a spot for the Women’s Candidates 2024.
R Praggnanandhaa is absolutely delighted to etch his name in history as he became the first Indian to reach a FIDE World Cup Semifinal since the introduction of new format back in 2005
Praggnanandhaa has virtually secured a spot in the Candidates. However, it is not official yet, because Magnus Carlsen might change his mind if the World Championship Match format is changed.
FIDE World Cup 2023 and FIDE Women’s World Cup 2023 Official logo | Photo: Official site
Arjun – Praggnanandhaa, Tie-breaks 6.3
The first two 25’+10″ Rapid tie-break games ended in a draw. Once the feeling out process between – GM Arjun Erigaisi (2681) and GM R Praggnanandhaa (2645) was over, the gloves came off. The first win was scored by Praggnanandhaa in the first 10’+10″ Rapid tie-break game. He was completely lost in the queen and rook endgame. However, he just found some practical resources in the final moments.
Position after 43…d5
43…d5 was a nice practical decision in time trouble as it served as the prelude to Black getting back in the game. 44.Qxd5 Qe2 45.Qc4?? this blunder removed White’s winning chances and created an opportunity for Black to fight back. Praggnanandhaa eventually went on to win the game.
Arjun Erigaisi vs R Praggnanandhaa – FIDE World Cup 2023 Quarterfinals Round 6.3 | Video: ChessBase India
R Praggnanandhaa vs Arjun Erigaisi – FIDE World Cup 2023 Quarterfinals Round 6.4 | Video: ChessBase India
Praggnanandhaa makes an epic comback – FIDE World Cup 2023 Quarterfinals Round 6.5 | Video: ChessBase India
After trading wins back and forth, the score was tied at 4-4. It was time for sudden death 3’+2″ Blitz games. Praggnanandhaa arrived over 30 seconds late for the game, still he managed to keep his composure and win the game. Thus, he won the match and advanced to the Semifinals where he will face GM Fabiano Caruana (USA).
The final handshake between R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi after a thrilling tie-break games
Praggnanandhaa’s mother, Nagalakshmi wondering, why his son is getting late for the important sudden death 3’+2″ game
Praggnanandhaa speed walking on his way to the final game
Coach – GM ShyamSundar M and Praggnanandhaa’s mother – Nagalakshmi
The final handshake between GM Anna Muzychuk (UKR) and IM Nurgyul Salimova (BUL)
The relief and joy for IM Nurgyul Salimova (BUL)
Nurgyul’s trainer – GM Cem Kaan Gokeran
GM Nijat Abasov (AZE) appeared after the match to show his support to Nurgyul along with Cem Kaan
A detailed interview with GM R Praggnanandhaa, IM Nurgyul Salimova and GM ShyamSundar M will be published soon, stay tuned.
Video Gallery
FIDE World Cup and Women’s World Cup 2023 Round 6.3 starting moments
| Video: ChessBase India
FIDE World Cup and Women’s World Cup 2023 Round 6 TB Live Commentary by IM Irine Sukandar (INA) and GM Irina Krush (USA) | Video: FIDE
FIDE World Cup 2023 Round 6 TB Live Commentary by IM Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal | Video: ChessBase India
Results
after Round 6 tie-breaks
GM Arjun Erigaisi – GM R Praggnanandhaa: 4-5
IM Nurgyul Salimova – GM Anna Muzychuk: 3.5-2.5
A total of seven games in the Open and four in the Women’s event took place in Round 6 tie-breaks.
Prize
The total prize fund is US$ 1834000 in the Open and $676250 in the Women, with the first being $110000 and $50000 respectively.
Replay Round 6 TB Open games
Replay Round 6 TB Women games
Links
