One of the highlight Chess Tournaments for 2025, the FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship features defending World Champion GM Ju Wenjun facing her compatriot, the 33-year-old challenger Tan Zhongyi, whom she defeated in 2018 to claim the title.
The tournament began in Shanghai, Ju Wenjun’s hometown, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
Match Details
The match started on April 3rd in Shanghai and Chongqing, China, the hometowns of both players. It comprises 12 games with a classical time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest, and a 30-second increment from the beginning.
The players are playing for a 500,000 Euro prize fund, with the winner receiving either 60% or 55%, depending on whether the match is won in the classical or tie-break portion.
Day 1
The opening day was tense but concluded peacefully. Tan Zhongyi, playing with the black pieces, confidently executed a 39-move Sicilian draw. Both players played a near perfect game as they tested a theoretical variation in the Kan Sicilian.
With both players playing solidly, a draw was the logical outcome. A crucial moment in the game was on move 18 with Ju’s 18. Qe3. Tan’s cold Qg5 going into an exchange of Queen into a doubled pawn structure for her was the most impressive display of a steel nerve.
The game fizzled out into a draw afterwards, with a score of 0.5-0.5 going into the second game.
Day 2
Going into the second day, one would naturally expect another peaceful draw, considering their 2018 match had decisive games in consecutive rounds.
In the spirit of solidity, they played an equal game, with clock pressure ending up being the determining factor of the match.
Tan’s choice of replicating the 1. C4, which she also used in their 2018 match, seemed to benefit her as she eventually took first blood against her compatriot.
The pivotal moment occurred on move 40 when Ju faced a critical decision regarding sacrificing a pawn to maintain her position.
Ju’s choice of 40….Ke8? Means white was winning with a dominant d-pawn. Going into the third day, Ju was under pressure to make a comeback in a match where she was the favorite by chess rating.
Day 3
In a game full of twists and dynamic play, Ju Wenjun faced immense pressure to stage a comeback and equalize the match, which she achieved by outclassing Tan Zhongyi in a challenging battle.
Featuring another Sicilian, the crucial moment came on move 60. After Ju’s Kf4, Tan Zhongyi made a mistake with Bc6 instead of the more accurate Re2, allowing Ju to grind to victory slowly.
Conclusion
After three intense games in the 2025 Female World Chess Championship, the match stands at 1.5-1.5. Challenger Tan Zhongyi drew first blood in Game 2, capitalizing on a mistake by Ju Wenjun.
However, the reigning champion showed resilience in Game 3, navigating a complex endgame to strike back and equalize the score.
With nine classical games remaining and both players showcasing deep preparation and steely nerves, we can only watch to see who takes the title.
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