Bulmaga`s Heartbreak: FIDE Women`s World Cup Drama

Heart-stopping moments defined the FIDE Women’s World Cup as Bulmaga falls to Tan, while young stars shine.

The third round of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup unfolded with breathtaking intensity at the Grand Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Batumi, Georgia. A knockout format with 107 fierce competitors set the stage for high-stakes drama, where every move could spell triumph or disaster.

In a gripping encounter, IM Irina Bulmaga came tantalizingly close to eliminating former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi. However, a critical move—52.g4—turned the tide, allowing Tan to escape with a dramatic draw and sending Bulmaga packing. Meanwhile, Javakhishvili showcased her tactical prowess, sacrificing a knight to promote pawns in a nail-biting endgame against Shuvalova, securing her advancement.

The day was marked by six matches that went to tiebreaks, with 19-year-old IM Song Yuxin stunningly knocking out 5th seed Anna Muzychuk. Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu displayed remarkable resilience, defeating U.S. IM Carissa Yip 4–2 in tiebreaks after Yip squandered winning opportunities in the classical games. Young talents like IM Meruert Kamalidenova and IM Umida Omonova also advanced, promising an electrifying round four.

The event, broadcast by GM Valeriane Gaprindashvili and IM Almira Skripchenko, highlights the strategic depth and high level of play in this prestigious tournament.

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