1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. dxe5

The main line, one that Krush mainly plays and Melekhina has faced previously in this position, is 8. d5 which contains a lot of theory. Krush probably wanted to avoid going into a theoretical debate and gets both players thinking for themselves.

8... dxe5 9. Bg5 Qxd1 10. Rfxd1 Bg4

Removing the defender from the d4-square so that her knight can use it as an outpost.

11. h3 Bxf3 12. Bxf3 Nd4 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. cxd5 f5!

Melekhina plays actively, although opening up the position for the two bishops is always a risky idea.

15. Rac1 Rf7 16. Be3 fxe4 17. Bg4

17. Bxe4? Ne2+

17... Nf5 18. Rc3 h5

Stopping any ideas the bishop had of coming into e6.

19. Be2 Bf8

As noted in the commentary room, this bishop potentially belongs on the d6 square to help with the defense of c7.

20. Rc4 Nd6 21. Rc3 Nf5

Melekhina is happy to repeat the position with the black pieces against Krush.

22. Rc4 Nd6 23. Rc3 Nf5 1/2-1/2 [Bird C.]