Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix: GM Kateryna Lagno Takes Command with Stunning Victory!

The Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix has been the talk of the chess world, captivating fans with high-stakes matches and showcasing the crème de la crème of women chess players.

In Round 4, it was none other than GM Kateryna Lagno who took center stage, delivering a stellar performance against GM Elisabeth Paehtz and securing her position at the top of the leaderboard.

Dubbed 'just a beautiful game' by Lagno herself, the match not only revealed her exceptional skills but also set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying tournament.

With a prize fund of €18,000 and crucial qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament at stake, the tension in the air is palpable.

Key Takeaways

• GM Kateryna Lagno's victory places her in sole command of the Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix.
• The round featured several draws, highlighting the competitive yet uneventful nature of the matches.
• Lagno's innovative play and time pressure proved crucial in her victory over GM Elisabeth Paehtz.

Lagno's Masterclass Against Paehtz

In the thrilling landscape of chess, Round 4 of the 2025 Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix brought to light the brilliance of GM Kateryna Lagno, who, with a stunning victory over GM Elisabeth Paehtz, claimed the sole lead in the tournament.

Describing her match as 'just a beautiful game,' Lagno showcased her exceptional skills in what proved to be a meticulously strategic contest.

While the day predominantly featured drawn games, including a drawn battle between GM Aleksandra Goryachkina and GM Tan Zhongyi that stretched to an astonishing 93 moves, Lagno’s electrifying victory stood out as the highlight.

The tension in Goryachkina's match was palpable as she pushed for an advantage but ultimately settled for a stalemate.

Meanwhile, IM Sara Khadem came tantalizingly close to a victory against IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul, only to let her promising position slip into a draw, indicative of the numerous shifts in momentum that can define chess matches.

Other drawn games included encounters between IM Bibisara Assaubayeva and GM Harika Dronavalli, along with the contests of GMs Koneru Humpy and Alexandra Kosteniuk, all contributing to a somewhat uneventful day for many competitors.

Lagno's game, however, was a masterclass in innovative thinking; her unexpected move of
5.c5 within a Queen's Gambit Declined position caught Paehtz off-guard and propelled Lagno into a commanding position that maintained time pressure on her opponent.

As the dust settles on this round, Lagno is set to face Munguntuul in a crucial match on February 22, with the tournament not just being a battle for supremacy but also a vital step towards qualifying for the coveted 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament.

With a rich prize fund of €18,000 at stake, the competition promises to get even fiercer as the rounds unfold.

Overview of Round 4 Results and Implications

As the chess clock ticks and the pressure mounts, Round 4 of the 2025 Monaco FIDE Women's Grand Prix has left spectators on the edge of their seats with the dynamic gameplay and strategic genius displayed by the competitors.

GM Kateryna Lagno is stealing the spotlight, having taken the lead after an enthralling match against GM Elisabeth Paehtz.

The beauty of the game wasn’t just in her victory but in how she maneuvered through unexpected positions, like her bold
5.c5 move that set the tone early on.

This round, however, was not without its share of drawn matches which highlighted the defensive prowess of the participants.

Goryachkina and Tan's epic 93-move stalemate showcased the endurance and resilience characteristic of top-tier players, while Khadem's slip from a potential win against Munguntuul served as a reminder of the fine line between triumph and defeat in chess.

As Round 5 approaches, all eyes will be on Lagno vs.

Munguntuul, promising yet another thrilling encounter in the quest for the prestigious title and qualification for the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament.