GM Aleksandra Goryachkina wins the 2023 Women’s FIDE World Cup
Author: Maria Fragaki
GM Aleksandra Goryachkina claims the title of the 2023 FIDE Women’s World Cup champion, securing a monetary reward of $50,000. This victory came to fruition as IM Nurgyul Salimova, despite another promising opportunity in the initial tiebreak game, relinquished her advantage and eventually succumbed after a grueling 105-move contest in the second game.
A Thrilling Victory at the Women’s World Cup: Goryachkina Claims Gold
In the exhilarating showdown of the Women’s World Cup, it seemed like destiny had a score to settle for 24-year-old Aleksandra Goryachkina. Reflecting on her journey, it’s impossible not to recall the 2021 final in Sochi. The reigning number-one seed back then, Goryachkina’s fierce battle had seen her lead in the initial game against GM Alexandra Kosteniuk. Despite her promising start, victory slipped through her fingers as she eventually succumbed in both the game and the match. Now, in the year 2023, Goryachkina, holding the position of the number-two seed behind GM Ju Wenjun, was presented with the opportunity to rewrite history. Her opponent, the 29th seed, awaited her challenge.
For 20-year-old sensation Elizaveta Salimova, the journey to the final was nothing short of a dream realized. A feat Goryachkina herself had achieved in the past, securing her berth in the FIDE Women’s Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, now became a momentous accomplishment for Salimova. Yet, the stakes were higher than ever. It wasn’t merely a matter of the substantial difference between the grand $50,000 first prize and the $35,000 second prize. The tantalizing prospect of attaining the full grandmaster title hung in the balance for the 2403-rated Bulgarian. Ordinarily, this prestigious title necessitates three “GM norms” and an impressive 2500-rating. However, an extraordinary victory in this tournament could expedite her path.
Salimova’s heartache in the second classical game was palpable, but she exhibited remarkable resilience. In the opening 25-minute tiebreak game, she seized the initiative once more, reminding us of the resilience that defines champions. The world of sports often underlines the unforgiving reality: missed opportunities can often pave the way for the adversary to score. A change in dynamics was unmistakable as Goryachkina carved a commanding lead early in the subsequent game. The tide had turned, and this time, it was Goryachkina’s turn to bask in the limelight. The pivotal victory not only secured her the game but also earned her the coveted title.
The grand culmination of this fierce competition saw Goryachkina seize the gold medal along with the prestigious $50,000 grand prize. On the other side of the coin, Salimova’s valiant efforts granted her the silver medal, accompanied by a generous $35,000 reward. Despite the intensity of the moment, both players maintained a remarkable composure, refraining from any overt displays of emotion at the conclusion of the battle. Meanwhile, GM Anna Muzychuk’s triumph the previous day secured her the bronze medal, a purse of $25,000, and an esteemed place in the forthcoming Candidates Tournament.
In the tapestry of chess history, the Women’s World Cup 2023 will undoubtedly stand as a testament to the unyielding determination and the unwavering pursuit of excellence exhibited by Goryachkina, Salimova, and their peers. Their remarkable journey reflects the essence of competition, where victories are forged in the crucible of grit and strategy, echoing the heartbeats of countless enthusiasts around the globe.
