In the game Pogonina-Khademalsharieh at the 7th round of the final of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Russia's Khanty-Mansiyska rare line of the Catalan Opening was discussed, where the queens were exchanged quite early and finally Iran's International Master managed to create strong connected passers on the queenside. In a severe mutual time-trouble Pogonina of the host country didn’t find a way to survival.
In the same round, the tournament's leading chess player Nino Batsiashvili of Georgia lost to her compatriot Lela Javakhishvili and was caught up by Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, who won against Natalija Pogonina.
Later in the 8th round of the sportive event, however, Iran's Woman Grand Master drew against Ukraine's Natalia Zhukova, who won the European title in 2015.
The two sides agreed on a draw early into the game after only 11 moves and at the request of the Ukrainian side. Apparently, the French contestant Almira Skripchenko had been taken to the hospital due to a mild heart issue leaving all participants at a poor emotional state. Khademalsharieh had therefore agreed to a tie with Zhukova who was still shocked after she had accompanied Skripchenko to the hospital.
Iran's chess athlete has so far earned two victories and five draws bagging a total of five points at final and decisive leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2015/2016.
Participants will have their second free day of the event tomorrow on Monday November 28 before embarking on Round 9 on Tuesday.
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh is scheduled to play her ninth encounter against Ju Wenjun from China.
The fifth and final leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2015/2016 is being competed from November 18th till December 2nd at Ugra Chess Academy in Russia’s Khanty Mansiysk.
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