Top seed Grandmaster Koneru Humpy scored a thumping victory over former world champion Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria and was helped by other results to come back in joint lead at the end of the 10th round of IS Bank Atatyurk Women Grand Prix chess event in Isantbul on Thursday.
Humpy demonstrated a brilliant attack and outplayed Stefanova but importantly for her French girl Marie Sebag came good against overnight leader Zhao Xue of China while second seed Yifan Hao of China was also held to a draw by Elina Danielian of Armenia.
Humpy thus joined Zhao and Yifan in lead on 7.5 points out of a possible 10 and now the last round will determine the fate of the three leaders.
Elina Danielian holds the fourth spot on seven points and is the only one within striking distance of the leaders.
The last round pairings give an edge to Yifan as she is playing an off-form Shen Yang of China.
Zhao has a tough nut to crack in Elina while Humpy will have to beat Marie Sebag in order to retain her chances for a first place finish.
Humpy displayed top form when it mattered and Antoaneta did not have a clue as to what hit her in a Slav defense game where the Indian played white.
{{/usCountry}}Humpy displayed top form when it mattered and Antoaneta did not have a clue as to what hit her in a Slav defense game where the Indian played white.
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