Hard times for the favorites
The second round of European Individual Women's Chess Championship in Belgrade didn't lack of surprises.
Again we saw many upsets among the favorites. Former World Champion, Alexandra Kosteniuk lost to Gulnar Mammadova in a very sharp game, and Valentina Gunina, who is defending the title, lost with white to Laura Rogule. Katherina Lahno was pawn down against Maka Purtseladze, but in the end she saved the rook endgame. Pia Cramling was trying to win somewhat better endgame against Alina Kashlinskaya, but Alina defended very well and was more than satisfied with a draw.
Natalia Zhukova had a very pleasant position, and as she told after the game, she thought she had very good chances to win, but in the end had to be satisfied with a draw.
Pairings of the 3rd round promise lot of excitement. Stay tuned and follow the games live on our website.
