Laman Firey Rook Chess Malaysia: Stefanova, Ushenina drew 2nd Game, Finals, WWC 2012

28 Nov 2012, Kuala Lumpur – In Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, the second game of the Finals of the Womens World Chess Championship 2012 between Anna Ushenina of Ukraine and Antoaneta Stefanova, Bulgaria ended in a quick draw in 17 moves. Both players were cautious in their moves. The Finals consist of four classical games.

Chessdom.com reported that the Bulgarian, playing White, decided to test her opponent’s knowledge in a very sharp opening variation known as the Slav Gambit: White sacrifices a central pawn, but forces Black to keep the king in the center and obtains long-lasting initiative.

Ushenina, however, deviated from the main lines, and by the 10th move the players reached an original position with complicated strategic and tactical pattern.

The position looked more promising for White, but Stefanova possibly misplayed it on the next few moves. Ushenina could sacrifice a pawn for the initiative and try to utilize her development lead. This would create a very sharp game risky for both sides.

However, the Ukrainian preferred a safer path, simplifying the position, and the players agreed to a draw already on the 17th move on a half-empty board.