Stefanova levels score
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
The finals of the World Cup are very exciting as Stefanova won the third game and now the match stands dead level at 1.5 points each. Unfortunately, the quality of defence in this match leaves quite a bit to be desired. Both sides are playing complicated openings and showing no staying power once it is necessary to find difficult moves and make tough decisions.
To be fair, however, both stars must be very tired by now. The knock-out system is not just tiring physically, but emotionally as well. Both players are running on empty and so it is not surprising that the games resemble a shoot out on the OK Corral!
POSITION AFTER 25 MOVES
gm Ushenina
gm Stefanova
Black has a completely disorganized positon, especially embarrassing are her pieces on the Queenside. White’s control of the d-file and very active Queen, combined with the Knight on f5 (can one ask for more?) beg for a combinative finish.
Here strong is 26.Nxg7 (…KxN? 27.Nf5). HOWEVER, Stefanova plays ever stronger:
26.Nh6!
A precise move! The Knight must be captured. 26…Kf8 would be answered by 27.Qc5 and Black is even worse off!
26…PxN 27.QxN Qf8
(27…Qxf4 28.Nf5! either wins the Queen or delivers mate)
And now the simplest way to win is 28.Rd7 , as 28…Bc8 is met by 29.Rd8
Stefanova played 28.Nf5, which is also good enough to win. Black resigned on the 33rd move