2023 Cairns Cup

The start of the day was marred by the unfortunate withdrawal of GM Humpy Koneru, who had to leave the tournament due to medical (non-COVID) issues. According to tournament regulations, Koneru’s results in the event will be annulled and won’t affect the final standings, but the games she played will still be FIDE rated.

GM Alexandra Kosteniuk jumped out to a stellar 2/2 after defeating GM Harika Dronavalli in another dramatic round which saw four decisive games. Scoring their first wins were GMs Elisabeth Paehtz, Nana Dzagnidze, and IM Anna Zatonskih, who nearly allowed a miraculous escape.

The third edition of the Cairns Cup kicked off today in Saint Louis as ten of the world’s top female players began to battle it out for their share of the $180,000 prize fund. The tournament got off to a stunning start as former Women’s World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk defeated top seed and reigning Cairns Cup champion GM Humpy Koneru. Meanwhile GM Harika Dronavalli, GM Irina Krush, and IM Gunay Mammadzada all won their first round games as well.