WR Women's Chess Tour Europe: Assaubayeva and Anna Muzychuk Win

Bibisara Assaubayeva won the rapid and Anna Muzychuk the blitz at the WR Women's Chess Tour 2026 Europe leg in Saint-Tropez, France.

The Europe leg of the WR Women's Chess Tour 2026 in Saint-Tropez, France, produced two different champions. Bibisara Assaubayeva won the rapid knockout and Anna Muzychuk won the blitz knockout. India's Koneru Humpy reached the rapid semifinals.

The rapid knockout used 15 minutes per player plus 10 seconds per move. Assaubayeva had a tough start. She split her first two games with Elisabeth Paehtz and needed an Armageddon game to win the quarterfinal. In the semifinals she drew every game against Nino Batsiashvili and again advanced through Armageddon. In the final against Mariya Muzychuk she was at her best and won both games.

Koneru Humpy beat Anna Muzychuk in the rapid quarterfinal, again after Armageddon. Her semifinal against Mariya Muzychuk was a thriller. Each player won one game before Mariya won the Armageddon game.

The blitz knockout was even faster, at 3 minutes plus 2 seconds per move. Assaubayeva again reached the final, after needing Armageddon to beat Mariya Muzychuk and then Elisabeth Paehtz. This time Anna Muzychuk was waiting for her. Anna had beaten Nino Batsiashvili 3-0 and Eline Roebers 2.5-0.5 on the way. In the final Assaubayeva won the first game, but Anna won two of the next three and took the blitz title.

Elisabeth Paehtz also had a strong blitz event. She beat Koneru Humpy 3-1 in the quarterfinals and pushed Assaubayeva all the way to Armageddon in the semifinals.

Look at how many matches went to Armageddon. When players are evenly matched, nerves matter as much as preparation. Breathing slowly, sitting still for a moment before each critical move, and focusing only on the current position are simple habits that help in tense games at any level.

Congratulations to both champions.