Hou Yifan: Women's World Champion

The 16-year old prodigy Hou Yifan today became the youngest Women's World Champion in history by beating her compatriot Ruan Lufei on tie-breaks in the final.

Hou Yifan takes the record from Maia Chiburdanidze who was 17 when she won the crown in 1978.

The first rapid tie-break game was drawn, but Yifan took the lead in the second.  Another draw followed before Hou Yifan put the icing on the cake with a win in the final game.

It was a wonderful victory for the young star, but spare a thought for the surprise package of the championship, the indomitable Ruan Lufei who eliminated the previous champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in the third round, and fought her way to the final with tie-breaks in every round.

An exciting finale to the championship...

Pictures from the official site