# Kosteniuk Takes Early Lead in French Women TOP 12
The French Women TOP 12 got serious in Round 2 at Asnières-sur-Seine. Alexandra Kosteniuk seized control of the competition with a clinical victory, establishing herself as the player to beat in this 12-team round robin.
Kosteniuk's performance so far reflects what everyone already knew. She belongs at the top of this field. Her technical mastery showed across the board, converting advantages with the precision that made her a world champion.
Batsiashvili arrived in France as a threat. The Georgian player has momentum, but Round 2 exposed some work ahead. She'll need sharper preparation if she plans to challenge Kosteniuk down the stretch.
Kashlinskaya and Osmak both jockey for positioning in the middle ranks. The gap between first and fourth feels wider than the standings suggest. Kosteniuk has already separated herself from the pack.
The 90 minute base plus increment format punishes quick mistakes and rewards deep preparation. Kosteniuk commands that kind of time control. She thinks further than her opponents. She calculates more precisely.
Three rounds remain in the round robin phase. Kosteniuk could build an unsurmountable lead if she maintains this level. The other players know they need a result against her soon, or they're playing for second place.