Grand masters Harika, Koneru reach top spot of World Women's GP

Chengdu (China) July 4 : Grand masters Harika Dronavalli and Koneru Humpy produced another brilliant performance to reach pole position on day three of the FIDE World Women's Chess Grand Prix here on Monday.

Harika eked out a hard-fought draw against World No.2 Ju Wenjun after the duo agreed for truce playing 78 moves each while Koneru won her game against Russia's Olga Girya.

harika's draw took her tally to 2.5 points and helped her to continue enjoying the top position in the high-profile tournament. 

"Both of us missed some chances and made mistakes too. And there was no other option but to settle for a draw,” she said. 

Harika next plays World No.6 and twice national champion of Ukraine, Mariya Muzychuk on Tuesday.