The Raffle

“[侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)], China’s 18-year-old was runner-up for the women’s world title in 2008, won it in 2010, then defended it in a match in 2011. She is clearly the all-time female No2 after Hungary’s Judit Polgár, who does not play in women’s events. But last week 侯逸凡 (Hóu) suddenly became an ex-champion in banal circumstances. She wilted in the -17C weather in Siberia which staged the 2012 knockout title contest, developed a heavy cold, and crashed 3-1 in the second round to Poland’s Monika Soćko, the last two games rapid chess”, Leonard Barden wrote in his The Guardian chess column of November 23, 2012.

Monika Bobrowska-Soćko (left) vs. 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) (right). Photo: Fédération Internationale des Échecs.