Humpy Back In Business
By Arvind Aaron
 

World No.2 Koneru Humpy has made a comeback when she defeated Hou Yifan of China in the reverse game to level the scores 1-1 and enter the tie-break in a better spirit of having won the last game.

In a Maroczy Bind opening, Hou Yifan underestimated the presence of white's bishop close to her king and paid the price for it. The match will be decided in the two rapid chess games. In case of a tie they would play two blitz games and if they are still equal they will have a sudden death encounter. In the sudden death encounters white is given an extra minute but has to win.

Russia's Alexandra Kosteniuk meanwhile moved to the finals from the first semifinals. She drew Pia Cramling with perpetual checks in 40 moves to take the match 1.5-0.5. Kosteniuk had won the opener.

This game was a big relief for all Indians hoping for a Humpy victory. In the final position after 36 moves, the 14-year old could not avert mate and defend her pawn and mate. The players had a queen, rook and minor piece each and pawns on the same side.