Women’s World Cup: Most favourites start with wins

The FIDE Women’s World Cup got underway at the Grand Bellagio Batumi Convention & Casino Hotel, where 86 players contested the first game of round one. While most favourites scored early wins, several matches remain finely balanced ahead of game two. A few surprises included resilient draws by lower-rated players against elite opposition. The day began with a ceremonial first move by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Georgian Federation President Akaki Iashvili. | Photos: Anna Shtourman, Andrei Anosov / FIDE