Grand Master Harika Dronavalli eked out a hard-fought draw against World No. 2 Ju Wenjun in the FIDE World Women’s Grand Prix here on Monday.
They agreed for truce after 78 moves each. The draw took her tally to 2.5 points and helped her to continue enjoying the top position in the high-profile tournament.
“Both of us missed some chances and made mistakes too. And there was no other option but to settle for a draw,” she said.
Harika next plays World No. 6 and twice national champion of Ukraine, Mariya Muzychuk on Tuesday. India’s other player, Grand Master Koneru Humpy too won her game today against Russia’s Olga Girya to join Harika in pole position.