Overview

• Divya Deshmukh defeated second seed Zhu Jiner in the first pre-quarterfinal game to seize the upper hand in her tie.
• Koneru Humpy held former world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk to a draw in their opening match to extend her unbeaten run.
• D Harika drew with Kateryna Lagno and R Vaishali drew with Meruert Kamalidenova in their first games to keep all four Indians alive.
• Return matches are set for later this week with Deshmukh facing Zhu Jiner, Humpy playing Kosteniuk, Harika matching Lagno and Vaishali competing against Kamalidenova.
• The US$691,250 prize fund includes US$50,000 for the champion and awards top three finishers spots in the next Women’s Candidates Tournament.