Women’s Candidates: Mutual annihilation

The first game of the Women’s Candidates semifinals between Anna Muzychuk and Lei Tingjie finished drawn. Muzychuk seemed surprised by her opponent’s opening choice, as it was Lei’s first time playing the Sicilian. The Chinese managed to get an edge in an endgame with rooks and knights, but her advantage was not enough to kick off the semifinal with a win. | Photo: FIDE / Michal walusza