Andreeva Advances in Beijing; Alexandrova Reflects on Chess and Return to Form

Andreeva has recently rekindled her interest in chess, which she first learned in kindergarten. Her enthusiasm was reignited during the French Open when she saw her fitness coach playing online before her matches. "I just wanted to remember, wanted to learn again," she said. Since then, she has been using Duolingo to enhance her strategic skills and has also engaged in matches against unfamiliar opponents through another app.

"My nickname is very different. You would never guess what it is," she added, keeping her chess identity a mystery.

Ekaterina Alexandrova, who also has ties to chess through her father, is in the fourth round of the tournament. She shared her struggles with the strategic demands of the game, stating, "For me, it’s such a difficult game because you need to think three steps ahead, maybe five steps ahead, and I’m always trying to survive the current situation without thinking so much."

Alexandrova marked her return to form in Beijing after not winning a match in the past three years, making her way to the Round of 16 following a comeback victory against Diana Shnaider. She credited her improved performance to the Yonex Tour Platinum ball, which she feels better suits her game this year.

"I was quite unlucky here in Beijing, but hopefully this year, it’s going so much better for me," she said.

Andreeva will next face Daria Snigur, while Alexandrova will compete against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the upcoming round.