Koneru Humpy moved to the top spot of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix at the end of the fifth leg at Lopota (Georgia), despite putting up one of her most disappointing shows in recent time.
Second-seeded Humpy lost to Bela Khotenashvili of the host in the final round on Tuesday to end up eighth in the 12-player event with five points.
Compatriot Dronavalli Harika fared better, finishing sixth with six points, after starting out as the ninth seed. Top seed and reigning World champion Hou Yifan of China won the title with nine points out of the maximum 11.
With the final leg to be held at Erdenet (Mongolia) from August 24, Humpy is in lead with 370 points, followed by Hou Yifan (365) and Anna Muzychuk (335) of Ukraine. Harika is eighth with 220 points. The winner of the Grand Prix will qualify for the 2015 World championship.
