Hou Leads in Turkey; Irina Plus One
By Jennifer Shahade   
March 14, 2008
Irinaslide.jpg
Irina Krush. Photo Betsy Dynako
At the Ataturk International Women's tournament (March 10-28, Istanbul), IM Irina Krush has plus one after four rounds. 13-year-old Yifan Hou is off to a running start; the Chinese star leads with 3.5/4. The biggest surprise so far in the event is the disastrous performance from the former Chinese World Champion GM Zhu Chen who now lives in and plays for Qatar.

Irina may have put Zhu in a bad mood with this first round victory.



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Can anyone stop Hou Yifan? Irina plays her in round 7, on Monday. You can watch all the games live at 8:30 EST on the official website.

In the following game, Hou Yifan defeats IM Anna Ushenina with an aggressive endgame attack.

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Ataturk International Women's tournament, March 10-28, Istanbul

Standings after four rounds
1. WGM Hou Yifan- 3.5
2-3. IM Ekaterina Atalik and GM Pia Cramling- 3
4-6. IM Harika Dronavalli, IM Irina Krush and WGM Zhao Xue- 2.5/4
7. IM Lela Javakhishvili- 2
8-9. IM Anna Ushenina and WIM Betul Cemre Yildis- .5/4
10. GM Zhu Chen- 0/4