Women's World Cup 2025 Round 2 TB: Vantika Agrawal knocks out Anna Ushenina
12/07/2025 - IM Vantika Agrawal played fantastic chess to eliminate the 14th Women's World Champion, GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) in Round 2 of FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. Vantika could have finished things as early as the second 15'+10" Rapid tie-break game if she spotted her winning chance. Nevertheless, she won the first 10'+10" Rapid tie-break, lost the second. Then she bounced back by winning the first 5'+3" Blitz tie-break and drew the next to secure her place in the third round. She will face the former World Rapid and three-time World Blitz Women's champion, GM Kateryna Lagno in the next round. IM Padmini Rout was on the verge of eliminating the 12th Women's World Champion, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (SUI). However, Padmini got eliminated. WIM Priyanka K lost both of her 15'+10" Rapid tie-break games against IM Klaudia Kulon (POL). Thus, her debut at this event came to an end. Round 3 Game 1 starts today at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Anna Shtourman