5th Cairns Cup R1: Humpy and Harika make a winning start
GM Koneru Humpy and GM Harika Dronavalli won their respective games in the first round of 5th Cairns Cup 2025. Humpy had an exciting game against GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO). The Georgian went wrong in a sharp position where she could have maintained the upper hand. Harika grinded a rook and minor piece endgame against IM Carissa Yip (USA). Ideally it should have ended in a draw. However, the American made an incorrect pawn sacrifice which turned things in Harika's favor. IM Alina Kashlinskaya (POL), GM Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ) and IM Alice Lee (USA) are the remaining three victors of the round. Round 2 starts today at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Saint Louis Chess Club
Five decisive games
The fifth edition of the strong super tournament - Cairns Cup is off to a great start. The first round witnessed only decisive games on all five boards.
Humpy - Dzagnidze: 1-0
The last Classical rated game between GM Koneru Humpy (2543) and GM Nana Dzagnidze (GEO, 2505) occurred at the very same event two years ago. The Georgian won that battle. This time also, she had a great chance after almost recovering from a difficult position.
25.fxg5? hxg5 26.Qg3 and we reach the above position. 26...Qd6 forcing the queen trade would not only diminish White's attacking chances but also maintain the upper hand for Black. Instead, 26...c4? 27.Nxf6 Nxf6 28.Bxc4 Qxc4?? was the final mistake by Black 29.Qd6+ Kf7 30.Ne5+ Bxe5 31.Qxe5 Kg6 and Black resigned as there is a forced mate in three.
Harika - Yip: 1-0
The only Classical rated game between GM Harika Dronavalli (2483) and IM Carissa Yip (USA, 2431) ended in a draw, more than five years ago at the very same event. This one also seemed to be heading towards a draw until the American blundered.
One of the hardest things to do in chess - doing nothing or inaction. Basically, Black has nothing to do in the above position and she won't lose either b6 or g7-pawn. Doing something like 95...e4?? is detrimental for her 96.dxe4+- d3? two mistakes don't make one right 97.Re8+ Kd6 98.cxd3 suddenly Black is completely lost.
Replay live stream
Round 1 results
Standings after Round 1
Round 2 pairings
Schedule
Every day Round starts at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Only rest day is on Sunday 15th June 2025.
Total prize fund
The total prize fund is US$ 250000. The top three prizes are $60000, $50000 and $40000.
Format
It is a round-robin event with a Classical time control of 40 moves in 90 minutes + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move no.1.
Links
Saint Louis Chess Club: Official site, facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube
|
5th Cairns Cup R3: Carissa Yip swindles Nino Batsiashvili
@ 13/06/2025 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |
|
5th Cairns Cup R2: Alice Lee wins two in-a-row
@ 12/06/2025 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |
|
Humpy and Harika set to face World's Top Women at 5th Cairns Cup
@ 10/06/2025 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |