Mongolia's Munguntuul Batkhuyag Takes Early Lead at FIDE Women's Grand Prix in Monaco

Monaco has become the focal point for the world of women’s chess as it hosts the prestigious FIDE Women’s Grand Prix. Mongolia’s International Master Munguntuul Batkhuyag has captured the spotlight early in the tournament, leading the pack with an impressive 1.5 points from her first two games. The event, which commenced on Tuesday, February 18 and will conclude on Friday, February 28, has drawn an illustrious group of competitors including past world champions and top-rated contenders from around the globe.

The tournament's robust lineup features formidable opponents like China’s Tan Zhongyi, Russia’s Alexandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno, and India’s Humpy Koneru and Harika Dronavalli, among others from Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and Kazakhstan. Munguntuul’s opening victory came against seasoned Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk, where she played with the White pieces. She continued her strong performance by securing a draw against top-seeded Tan Zhongyi in the second round, playing with the Black pieces.

Munguntuul’s strategic prowess and confident gameplay have placed her at the top of the leaderboard as she gears up for her next significant encounter against India’s Humpy Koneru on Thursday, February 20. With her remarkable start, Munguntuul has established herself as a formidable contender for the title, capturing the attention of chess enthusiasts in Monaco and beyond as the tournament progresses.