By Arvind Aaron
Dronavalli Harika entered the last eight of the World Women’s Chess Championship at Tehran on Feb 19, 2017. Harika who got past Sopiko Guramishvili 1-1, 1-1, 1½-½ faces another Georgian in Nana Dzagnidze. The last eight comprises of 4 Asians and four Europeans. Ju Wenjun takes on Tan Zhongyi, Anna Muzychuk v Stefanova Antoaneta, Alexandra Kosteniuk v Ni Shiqun.
Tan Zhongyi overcame Padmini Rout 1-1, 1-1 and 1½-½. Padmini came from behind to level rapid scores but exited in the next tie-break pair of games. Three rounds are completed and 32, 16 and 8 players have left Iran. Just eight players remain for the quarters, semis and finals.

Grand Opening of the Western Asia Youth and Junior Chess Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad
Western Asian Junior/ Girls Chess Championship – 2026 from 22nd to 31st October 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Western Asian Youth Chess Championships – 2026 in Ahmedabad ,Gujarat from 22-31 October 2026
FIDE World Championships U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 & U17 – 2026 in Roquetas de Mar, Spain from 13th to 21st October 2026
Asian Amateur Chess Championships – 2026 (Men & Women U2300 – U2000 – U1700) in Bangkok, Thailand from 20th to 30th November, 2026.
Final report :Asian Junior Open & Girls Chess Championships 2026 in Mumbai from 16-26 August 2026