Sujatha Srinivasan reports from the venue (Hyatt Regency, New Delhi)

12 Dec 2000 New Delhi

Women's Final Xie Jun vs Qin Kanying

Xie draws first blood.

Xie Jun who played the first move in the finals of the first FIDE Women's World Championships to be run using a knockout format won the first game against Qin Kanying. Xie who played the Ruy Lopez opening was drawn to the battle by her compatriot Qin with the open variation. Xie who was ready to face any prepared line from her opponent played aggresively to muster a slight advantage after a series of exchanges in the center. She later got into a winning king and pawn ending with a small combination to exchange the remaining minor pieces.

Men's Semi-Final Michael Adams vs. Viswanathan Anand

Anand shares point with Adams.

Vishy Anand as usual drew with black pieces. Anand played the Petroff defence and simplified easily. Michael Adams also seemed to be happy with the draw.

Men's Semi-Final Alexei Shirov vs Alexander Grischuk

Shirov wins.

Alexei Shirov defeated Alexander Grishchuk to go one up in the four game semi-final. Shirov said that the "rook ending seems to be winning for me" when asked about his game. He added "I don’t think I will have to play three more games" when asked what he thinks about Grishchuk. Shirov who was found taking a stroll in the streets of Delhi around eleven’o’clock in the morning is really looking fresh and happy with his progress in these championships.