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After winning a first-round battle against Alexander Shabalov, Anna Zatonskih was able to hold her won against a strong opposition. However, fatigue may have taken its toll and she dropped her last three games falling out of contention for the women's crown. (Note: After Zatonskih's first-round win, the so-called "Battle of the Sexes" turned out to be a misnomer and furthermore an unfair billing.)
As Irina Krush also faltered toward the end, that left room for another 16-year old to emerge as a category winner. Tatev Abrahamyan, 16, who has been "lighting it up" in scholastic circles, entered a playoff against Rusudan Goletiani who beat Zatonskih in the last round. Unlike the other playoff game, these two players did not meet in this tournament, so preparation will be an important edge. Goletiani's experience may be favored over Abrahamyan's youthful exuberance.
(Photos by US Chessmaster Championship)
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