The ninth game of the Women’s World Chess Championship Match finished with a victory of Hou Yifan and with the final score 3:6 she became the Women’s World Champion for the fourth time. It was the last and decisive game of the Match. Maria Muzychuk chose to play Sicilian Defence and managed to get playable position with chances for the both sides. Hou Yifan needed a draw to win the Match while Maria Muzychuk had to play for victory in order to continue the fight.

Hou Yifan decided to exchange queens and after 15 moves transferred the game into the complex ending. White had pawn advantage on the Queen’s side, while Black arranged the conter play on the opposite side of the board. The position was about equal and the most logical outcome would have been a draw but Maria was not always doing the strongest moves but those which would give her some chances to continue the struggle. However, Hou Yifan played very precisely and after 46 moves the game was over.

At the press conference both players thanked their teams, organizers and chess fans. According to Maria Muzychuk, she had the best team in the World as she was getting the positions after the opening one can only dream about. “I’m glad that this Match happened in Lviv and many chess fans could attend it”, added Maria.

“I would like to thank my team and fans. Despite the 6 hours of difference with China I know that many people were following my games,” said Hou Yifan.