The first of the two classical games of round 3 is now in the books for all players, and the sole American left, IM Irina Krush (2470), is looking good. She defeated WGM Huang Qian (2565, China) from the black side of a Nimzo-Indian Defense in 57 moves. If she doesn't lose with White tomorrow, she'll move on to round four against the winner of GM Natalija Zhukova (2451, Ukraine) and WGM Ju Wenjun (2501, China). Ju won their first game today, coincidentally also in 57 moves, but Zhukova will have the white pieces in the rematch.
- Scott Parker