FIDE Women’s World Championship approaches its conclusion

The 10-round Final, between current World Champion and World No.4 Mariya Muzychuk from Ukraine and China’s World No.1 Hou Yifan started on 2 March.   After eight rounds Hou leads 5 – 3, so Muzychuk needs to win both the remaining games to stand a chance of retaining her title.   Although she has drawn six of the games so far, she is yet to win a game against the challenger, who will have the White pieces in tomorrow’s game.

The showdown is taking place in Mariya’s home city of Lviv, Ukraine.   The opening ceremony was a lavish and well-attended affair, as can be seen here.

Games can be viewed here.