Humpy To Meet Yifan In Semis
By Arvind Aaron
 

Koneru Humpy scored the most impressive win among all the quarter final matches in the World Women's Chess Championship at Nalchik, Russia on September 8, 2008.

In the semifinals, Humpy takes on Yifan in the near title match. In the other semifinals, Kosteniuk takes on veteran Cramling.

Needing a draw to advance, Humpy won with the black pieces from a queen's gambit for a 2-0 sweep. Humpy not only won the match but also is gaining Elo from the event so far.

Shen Yang's positional approach failed to work against the tactical aggression of Humpy in this match. Humpy will face her biggest challenge in the coming round and the winner of this could virtually be the champion at Nalchik.

At the business end of the championship, three of the four results followed higher rated players winning while the experienced lower rated Cramling upstaged Stefanova.

Quarter final results with net score in brackets: Anna Ushenina (Ukr) lost to Aleksandra Kosteniuk (Rus) 0.5-1.5, Hou Yifan (Chn) bt Lilit Mrktchian (Arm) 1.5-0.5, Shen Yang (Chn) lost to Koneru Humpy (Ind) 0-2, Pia Cramling (Swe) drew with Antoaneta Stefanova (Bul) 1.5-0.5.