Humpy placed second in running for another title at Blitz competition

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who became the women’s World Rapid Chess champion on Saturday (December 28), stayed in the running for another title after being placed second along with three others in the Blitz Championships in Moscow.

The 32-year-old Indian started the two-day blitz competition by winning her games in the five rounds to share the top position at one stage.

Humpy drew the next two games before winning against Monika Sacko in the eighth game.

Also read: India’s Koneru Humpy becomes women’s World Rapid Chess champion

She, however, lost to day-one leader Katerina Lagno of Russia in a dramatic battle in the final round of the opening day.

Lagno showed great determination to defend her 2018 title as she scored 8 points out of 9 to grab the top position.

Lagno was chased by four players — Alexandra Kosteniuk, Humpy Koneru, Daria Charochkina, and Alina Kashlinskaya — all on seven points.

Humpy had claimed the World Women’s Rapid Chess Championship title after drawing the Armageddon game against Lei Tingjie of China here on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)