The world’s top female chess players have gathered in Monaco for a high-stakes battle at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, but it is Mongolia’s Munguntuul Batkhuyag who has emerged as the early frontrunner. Competing against a formidable field of grandmasters, the International Master has stunned the competition with a powerful start, securing 1.5 points in her first two games.
The tournament, which runs from Tuesday, February 18 to Friday, February 28 features an elite lineup, including former world champions and some of the highest-rated players in women’s chess. Among them are China’s Tan Zhongyi, Russia’s Alexandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno, India’s Humpy Koneru and Harika Dronavalli, as well as top talents from Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and Kazakhstan.
Facing off against seasoned Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk in the opening round, Munguntuul delivered a commanding performance with the White pieces, securing a victory that immediately set the tone for her tournament. In the second round, she held top-seeded Tan Zhongyi to a draw while playing with the Black pieces—an impressive feat against one of the strongest competitors in the field.
With her confident play and strategic precision, Munguntuul now sits atop the leaderboard as she prepares for her next challenge: a crucial match against Indian Grandmaster Humpy Koneru on Thursday, February 20. A strong result could solidify her position as a serious contender for the tournament title.
As the competition intensifies in Monaco, all eyes are on the Mongolian master whose bold opening has turned heads and raised expectations.
