Lifestyle

Photos: A 22-year-old grandmaster wins the Women’s World Chess Championship

Maria Muzychuk and Hou Yifan in the playing hall.
Maria Muzychuk and Hou Yifan in the playing hall.
Image: Misha Friedman
By
Loubna Mrie
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Chinese grandmaster Hou Yifan has been crowned the Women’s World Chess Champion.

On March 14, in the elegant Potocki Palace of Lviv, Ukraine, 22-year-old Hou beat Mariya Muzychuk for the top title in a 46-move game. Muzychuk, a 23-year-old Ukrainian grandmaster, won the championship last year.

Female chess players may be overlooked on the global stage, but locals fans and media flocked to the event for a glimpse of the players. ”The Chinese delegation team imposed security measures, afraid that locals would find a way to help the Ukrainian player,” says photographer Misha Friedman, who dedicated nearly a week to photographing the nine-game contest. “I used to be a chess player. That’s how I got the access.”

Champion Hou Yifan was named a grandmaster at the age of 14.
Champion Hou Yifan was named a grandmaster at the age of 14.
Image: Misha Friedman
Local artist makes a drawing of Hou Yifan’s father.
Local artist makes a drawing of Hou Yifan’s father.
Image: Misha Friedman
A medical team was on site at all times.
A medical team was on site at all times.
Image: Misha Friedman
Hou Yifan and Muzychuk before the game.
Hou Yifan and Muzychuk before the game.
Image: Misha Friedman
Games often take over four hours.
Games often take over four hours.
Image: Misha Friedman
To prevent possible outside help, the game is broadcast with a 30 minute delay.
To prevent possible outside help, the game is broadcast with a 30 minute delay.
Image: Misha Friedman
Spectators watch the broadcast while the playing hall is closed to the public.
Spectators watch the broadcast while the playing hall is closed to the public.
Image: Misha Friedman
Julianna, 9, waiting for an autograph.
Julianna, 9, waiting for an autograph.
Image: Misha Friedman
A member of the Chinese delegation photographs Hou Yifan meeting fans.
A member of the Chinese delegation photographs Hou Yifan meeting fans.
Image: Misha Friedman
Children play chess in Lviv’s central square.
Children play chess in Lviv’s central square.
Image: Misha Friedman
Members of the Chinese delegation watch the game broadcast.
Members of the Chinese delegation watch the game broadcast.
Image: Misha Friedman
Local fans and grandmasters analyze the game.
Local fans and grandmasters analyze the game.
Image: Misha Friedman
Hou Yifan signs autographs for local fans.
Hou Yifan signs autographs for local fans.
Image: Misha Friedman
Games are played behind closed doors.
Games are played behind closed doors.
Image: Misha Friedman