Kosteniuk Nearly Home

A win was so near and yet so far for Alexandra Kosteniuk (pictured) yet again in game 3 of the Women's World Championship final today in Nalchik.  Hou Yifan, trying to level the scores again played the Ruy Lopez, but after some tense opening exchanges Kosteniuk took control in the middle-game and outplayed her younger opponent to reach a rook endgame a pawn to the good.

However, despite the pawn advantage Kosteniuk was once again, as in game 2, unable to convert the game to a win that would have given her the coveted title.

So the last regular time-control game is tomorrow (16 Sept) and Hou Yifan has to find a way to win with the black pieces against an in-form and determined Kosteniuk.

The start of game 3.  Picture from the official site.