IM Anna Zatonskih became the winner of the 2023 Cairns Cup. Anna secured the title with one round to spare, an impressive result considering she won three games with the black pieces during the tournament.

It was an intense and exciting final day of the event, with Zatonskih facing her longtime teammate and rival, GM Irina Krush. Despite already securing the event victory, Anna defended valiantly and managed to draw the longest game of the event on move 130, invoking the 50-moves rule. This draw sealed Anna's undefeated run in the tournament and solidified her as the champion. It was truly an inspiring performance, especially considering she started as the last seed based on ratings.

For her remarkable achievement, Anna won the grand prize of $45,000. GM Alexandra Kosteniuk had an important win on the final day, securing sole second place in the tournament. GMs Bella Khotenashvili and Irina Krush shared third place.

The first game to finish was the one between GMs Bella Khotenashvili and Harika Dronavalli. The players went for a theoretical line in the QGD (Queen's Gambit Declined). The game was balanced throughout, but in the end, it petered out to a draw.

GM Bella Khotenashvili  shares 3rd place | Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Club, Bryan Adams

GM Elisabeth Paehtz played the Anti-Marshal line in the Closed Ruy Lopez and the position was balanced for some of the game. Unfortunately for her, she started burning time, and her position worsened. Elisabeth made the fatal mistake closer to the time control.  

39. Ne3?? was a decisive blunder that allowed the clincher by Alexandra 39…d4!!

Kosteniuk finishes the tournament with 5/8 (or, as she put it in the interview 6/9 :) ) and places sole 2nd.

GM Alexandra Kosteniuk - full focus on  | Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Club, Bryan Adams

The game between GM Nana Dzagnitze and IM Gunay Mammadzada was a back-and-forth battle, with Gunay initially having the advantage but eventually blundering into a lost position.

After 45. e4, Gunay played 45…Rh6?? Instead, she could have gone for 45…fxe4 46.Qxf6+ Rxf6 47.Rxf6 Kg7 with a decisive advantage

She blundered again on moves 47 and 48, and it was Dzagnidze who ended up victorious.

However, the most captivating game of the round was the one between Krush and Zatonskih. Despite already securing the tournament victory, Anna put up a strong fight. Krush had a chance to catch up with Kosteniuk and secure second place with a win, but she missed several winning opportunities in a rook and opposite colour bishop endgame. Both players were under time pressure, and Anna could have saved the game with the precise move, but she missed the opportunity as well. Ultimately, the game ended in a draw.

It was probably the best-missed opportunity for Irina to seal the deal. In this position, she played 83. Bg5, instead 83.Bc3 would have won a piece after 83…Rxe7 84.Rxa4 +-

IM Anna Zatonskih - final round focus mode| Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Club, Crystal Fuller

The event showcased intense and fighting chess, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of players to never give up and fight until the very end.

Text: WGM Sabina Foisor

Photos: Bryan Adams and Crystal Fuller

Dates & Location: 
June 3 - 13, 2023
World Chess Hall of Fame

Livestream:
USChessChamps.Com

Web: uschesschamps.com | Twitter: @STLChessClub
Instagram: @STLChessClub | Facebook: @STLChessClub
YouTube: @STLChessClub | Twitch.tv: @STLChessClub
#TheAmericanCup #STLChessClub

Press Contact:
Rebecca Buffington
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org 

Photo Credits:
Photos and appropriate credits available on Flickr