FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2019: Koneru Humpy holds World Champion to win title

Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy held World Champion Ju Wenjun to a draw and finished with 8 points from 11 rounds to clinch the first FIDE Women's Grand Prix title of 2019-20 in Skolkovo.

Going into the final, Humpy had been in terrific form securing four back-to-back wins and a draw to secure the top spot with a 0.5 point lead. Ju had her fate in her hands as she took on Humpy in a thrilling finale. But the Indian needed only a draw against Ju in 11th round with white pieces and she forced the issue. 

Earlier, women’s World Champion Ju could only manage a draw after a long battle against rival Aleksandra Goryachkina. The result left Humpy the only player at the top of the standings heading into Sunday's final round.

In the penultimate round, Humpy had managed a quick draw against Kateryna Lagno. Before that, in round eight, the resurgent player met Elisabeth Paehtz, inflicting Paehtz’s first defeat in the tournament.

A few years back, Humpy was considered as the best Indian chess player and was also taken as a serious challenger for the world title. 

By 15, she was already a Gradmaster — the youngest female player in history to achieve the title. Five years later, in 2007, with a 2606 Elo rating, she became the second woman after Judit Polger to pass the 2600 mark.

Humpy then took a break from competitive chess after getting married in 2014. However, it now seems that she is back and for good!