GM-elect Yifan Hou and GM Humpy Koneru were the two top favorites to win the knockout format 2008 Women’s World Championship in Nalchik, Russia. Due to the FIDE seeding system where the defending champion would be the #1 seed, Humpy was pushed down to #2 seed and Yifan to #3. Because of this, they faced each other in the semifinal instead of the final.
By defeating the Indian star, Yifan becomes the youngest to play for the Women’s World Championship title.
Humpy had around a 65 point rating advantage. But the match came down to the Blitz playoff. What were some of the key differences between these two players in this match? Was it preparation? Was it nerve? Was it strength? What do you think?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Definitely nerve. Both blundered badly in their games.
Koneru seems overrated, so 65 points don’t mean so much, and proved so. Hou’s play looked more fresh and attacking, and she made 2 blunders less.
Koneru is not over rated. Hou is under rated!!!
I think Hou is simply playing better right now. It should have ended in game 2 except Hou made a silly mistake in time pressure. Compare Hou’s recent performance in the World Jr. championship (mens division) versus Humpy’s relatively poor performance in the N. Urals Cup. If Humpy cannot even win the N. Urals Cup, which was an all ladies event, why would anyone think should could win the world championship?