Humpy 2nd after Day 1 of Blitz tourney

Moscow, December 30

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy stayed in hunt for a second title at the women’s World Rapid and Blitz Championships after being placed second along with the three others in the blitz competition.

The 32-year-old Indian started the two-day competition by winning her games in the five rounds to share the top position at one stage.

Humpy drew the next two games before winning against Monika Sacko in the eighth game. She, however, lost to Day 1 leader Katerina Lagno of Russia in a dramatic battle in the final round of the opening day. Lagno defended her 2018 title as she scored eight points out of the nine to grab the top position. Lagno was chased by four players – Alexandra Kosteniuk, Humpy Koneru, Daria Charochkina, and Alina Kashlinskaya — all on seven points. — PTI