In the Shadow of the Crown

赵雪 (Zhào Xuě) – Alexandra Konstantinovna Kosteniuk
Women’s Grand Prix; third stage; Batumi, May 2, 2016
Larsen’s Opening A01

1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 c5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 Qb6 6. Na3. This is a very dubious idea since White’s “bulk” development on the Queenside is of any use in respect to her aggressive intentions on the Kingside. For 6. Bxc6+ Qxc6 7. d3 g6 8. Nbd2 Bg7 9. Qe2 0-0 see Nimzowitsch – Kashdan, Frankfurt am Main 1930. 6. ... a6 7. Ba4 e6 8. 0-0 Be7 9. Ne5 0-0 10. Bxc6 bxc6 11. c4 a5 12. Qc2 Ne8 13. f4 f6 14. Nd3 Ba6 15. Rf3 a4 16. Rh3. With the “threat” of Nd3-e5 which, however, Black parries very easily, consolidating her superiority. 16. ... g6 17. Nc1 Nd6 18. d3 Bc8 19. Rf3 axb3 20. axb3. If 20. Nxb3 there might follow 20. ... e5 and Black stands better. 20. ... Nf7 21. Rf1 Bd7 22. Nb1. White’s convolute play on the Queenside undoubtedly constitutes the sad leitmotiv in today’s drama of 赵雪 (Zhào Xuě). 22. ... Rxa1 23. Bxa1 e5. Kosteniuk would never have dreamt of starting over the game from such a position. 24. Nc3 Be6 25. Na4 Qa7! The most inspired move of the whole game. Kosteniuk is preparing for the assault. 26. Bb2 Bd6 27. Ne2 d4 28. fxe5 Nxe5 29. exd4? The last true mistake. 29. h3 was the lesser evil, although after 29. ... dxe3 30. d4 cxd4 31. Bxd4 Qb8 32. Bxe3 Bf5 Black keeps the upper hand.

29. ... Ng4! 30. Nf4 Bf5 31. Rf3 cxd4 32. c5 Re8! Kosteniuk concludes the attack with a series of brilliant blows. 33. Qc1 Qa5 34. Rf1 Be5 35. Qc4+ Kg7 36. Bxd4 Qd2! 37. h3 Bxf4 38. hxg4 Re1 39. gxf5 Be3+ 40. Kh2 Rxf1 41. Bxf6+ Kxf6 42. Qe6+ Kg5 43. Qe7+ Kg4 0 : 1. For if 44. Qe4+ then 44. ... Bf4+ and mate in two moves. So far Women’s Grand Prix circuit never brought Alexandra Konstantinovna any luck, but in Batumi, after a bad start, she was able to turn the tables. Maybe it is only the beginning.

Alexandra Konstantinovna Kosteniuk
Photo: Eteri Kublashvili

赵雪 (Zhào Xuě)
Photo: Eteri Kublashvili