Hou Yifan escapes again

After a miraculous escape yesterday, also in the third game of the Women World Championship Final, Hou Yifan managed to draw an ending that seemed completely lost. Alexandra Kosteniuk needs a 4th game to prove that she’s the strongest in Nalchik.

Photo: Ilya Akhobekov | © FIDE

Again Hou Yifan didn’t play very convincingly with the white pieces and from a pawn up (with good compensation for Kosteniuk, though) she ended up in an ending with a pawn down. Although she missed a few opportunities to draw the game earlier, the 14-year-old Chinese defended the rook ending superbly to a draw. Here’s the fascinating third game of the match:

A few hours after the game Kosteniuk probably still wonders how such a young and slender Chinese body can be packed with so much fighting spirit, but it is the case: Hou Yifan simply refuses to give up without a fight and thus she gained herself a fourth game. A must-win, to reach the tiebreaks, but normally Kosteniuk should be able to score at least a draw with White. If she’s able to forget all those missed wins.

A handshake before the third game of the final



Alexandra Kosteniuk concentrating before the start of the game


Hou Yifan writing on her score sheet, surrounded by photographers… Photos Ilya Akhobekov © FIDE


…yes, many photographers! | Photo Evgeny Atarov © FIDE

Scores, Final:

Links:

• Official website
• Games in PGN