Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli lost to Tan Zhongyi of China in the first semi-final game of the World Women’s Chess Championship on Friday, PTI reported.
Harika, who is making her third straight appearance in the semi-final of a knockout world championship, struggled against her opponent. Zhongyi dominated the Indian in a one-sided encounter.
Harika will now have to win her next game to stay alive in the match. A draw or loss in the two-game mini-match will mean curtains for her campaign in the championship.
In the other semi-final, Russia’s Alexandra Kosteniuk lost from a winning position against Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine. Muzychuk is just a draw away from securing a place in the final.