The 2025 Nicosia FIDE Women's Grand Prix is heating up as the tournament heads into its final round, with GM Anna Muzychuk and GM Zhu Jiner locked in a thrilling battle for the top spot. Anna’s fourth victory, a hard-fought win over GM Elisabeth Paehtz, has brought her level with Zhu, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. Meanwhile, GMs Harika Dronavalli, Aleksandra Goryachkina, and Mariya Muzychuk remain in contention, trailing by a full point after settling for draws in Round 8.
In a tournament filled with twists and turns, IM Divya Deshmukh finally clinched her first win in a rollercoaster game against IM Olga Badelka. Divya, who admitted to feeling under the weather, showcased her resilience, turning a chaotic position into a well-earned victory. Her triumph means all 10 players in the event have now secured at least one win.
The penultimate round saw Zhu Jiner miss a chance to seal the tournament early, as her game against IM Stavroula Tsolakidou ended in a tense 49-move draw. Mariya Muzychuk and Nana Dzagnidze also played out a high-accuracy draw, while Goryachkina and Harika’s clash fizzled out after a missed opportunity for a bold rook sacrifice.
Anna Muzychuk, however, seized her moment. Despite facing her close friend Paehtz, Anna navigated a tricky Queen’s Gambit Accepted to secure a crucial win. Her victory, achieved under time pressure, highlighted her tactical prowess and determination to stay in the title race.
As the final round approaches, all eyes are on the marquee matchups: Zhu vs. Dzagnidze and Harika vs. Anna Muzychuk. For Mariya Muzychuk and Goryachkina to have any shot at the title, both leaders must lose—a scenario that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the closing day.
The action kicks off on Monday, March 24, at 8 a.m. ET / 14:00 CET / 5:30 p.m. IST. With Grand Prix points and pride on the line, the final round promises to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable chess. Who will emerge victorious? The chess world waits with bated breath.