The President of the European Chess Union, Zurab Azmaiparashvili made a first symbolic move in the game Javakhishvili-Kosteniuk to start a lively first round of the third leg of Women's Grand Prix in Batumi, which finished with two decisive games and four draws. Lela Javakhishvili and Olga Girya became the first winners in the tournament. Girya defeated Valentina Gunina, who misplayed in a sharp position under time pressure, while Javakhishvili outplayed Alexandra Kosteniuk, who underestimated White's initiative. Zhao Xue and Bela Khotenashvili missed good winning chances against Nino Batsiashvili and Nana Dzagnidze respectively.
The Ukrainian derby for "the leadership in the family" between Anna and Maria Muzychuk finished in a draw after half an hour of play. It was not the first game between the sisters played in Batumi. They've also met during the Women's World Blitz Championship, which was held in Batumi in 2012 and Maria Muzychuk defetaed her sister that time. Anna and Maria were glad to recall their memories about their previous visits to Batumi and also answered few questions connected to recently finshed Women's World Championship Match in Lviv. Batumi is a lucky city for both of them as Anna shared 2nd place in the Women's World Blitz Championship and Maria won the silver medal at the European Youth Chess Championship in 2006.
Valentina Gunina – Olga Girya 0:1
The game, which started quietly, has changed the course after Valentina's 14.Qc2. Olga bravely took the challenge and a very sharp position with chances for both sides appeared on the board.
The critical moment in the game. 25.hg loses immediately but White had chances in complex endings after 25. Be7 Ke7 26. hg Rh1 27.Bh1 Rd8 28. Nd1 or 26...Ne3 27.Rb4 Qb4 28.Bb4 Nc2 29.Kc2 c5 30.Bb7 Ra7 31. Bc6 Kf8 32.Ba3 Ra3.
Lela Javakhishvili – Alexandra Kosteniuk 1:0
Lela Javakhishvili chose to play Catalan against Alexandra Kosteniuk and after the opening White obtained a pleasant edge, not so obvious one for computers. White had several options to improve her position compare to Black, whose position was a bit passive. Alexandra Kosteniuk tried to find some counter play and found an interesting plan Ra5, b6, c5. However, her plan failed due to the strong response of her opponent, underestimated by the former Women's World Champion.
Almira Skripchenko – Elina Danielian 1/2:1/2
Almira Skripchenko spent most of her time before the game on repeating numerous variations in Caro-Kann – one of two regular guests from Elina's opening repertoire. Nevertheless, French player was also ready for French Defence, which happened in the game, but spent lots of her time remembering the precise moves. In a typical position with isolated pawn, Black managed to get quite solid play and after few more exchanges the game ended in a draw.
Zhao Xue – Nino Batsiashvili 1/2:1/2
White tried surprising her opponent with the less popular 5.Na3 and obtained quite good position due to inaccurate play of her opponent. According to Nino, it was a mistake to exchange her white-square bishop because after that exchange Black has difficulties to hold the position. Choosing from many options, Zhao Xue decided to convert the game into the rook ending with an extra pawn. The game turned to be the longest one in the round one and lasted more than 5 hours. Chinese player missed many winning chances and eventually the game finished in a draw.
Bela Khotenashvili – Nana Dzagnidze 1/2:1/2
The battle in Catalan opening was obviously not one-sided, as both opponents made few inaccuracies before White obtained clear advantage.
One of the critical moments in the game. By playing 22.Rd7 Bela decided to go for the position with unbalanced material (2 pieces against rook and 2 pawns). Another option was to keep more pieces on the board and try to exploit the discoordination of Black's pieces.
By playing 47...Re8 Black allowed White to get an extra piece and still managed to hold the game. White had good winning chances but failed to find the precise continuations.
