Today saw the first battles for the Champion's Title ended in a draw. Winning the first game in the short match of 2 meetings gives a great advantage. That’s why the opponents decided to attack from the fist minutes of the game.

According to the drawing Viktoria Cmilyte played White against Alisa Galliamova. Up to some moment the opponents imitated the game Khurtsidze – Galliamova (in the quarterfinals), but White found a new decision and got the winning position. However Galliamova performed as a talented defender and though sacrificing Rook managed to force a draw with perpetual check.

In the second match between Matveeva and Xu Yuhua , Svetlana refused to repeat moves in the middle game. The game transferred to a complicated ending and the opponents’ chances were quite equal. With exchanging pieces they lost the opportunities for new moves and it resulted in a draw after move 80.

Tomorrow we’ll watch the second semi-final games and if necessary tie-breaks. Remind you that those winning the semi-final will play a four-game match for the Champion's Crown.