Goodbye, Shanghai! Ju extends lead before the break in Chongqing
Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun defeated Challenger Tan Zhongyi with the black pieces to close out the first half of the match with a crucial win. This result marks her third victory in the last four games, giving her a 4–2 lead as the match shifts to Tan’s home city of Chongqing. When asked yesterday whether the result of today’s game would carry any particular significance, both players emphasized that each game holds equal importance and would be approached accordingly. Yet, considering that it was the final encounter before the halfway mark and two upcoming rest days, it’s fair to conclude that, objectively, this one did matter. The first ceremonial moves in Game 6 were performed by Zhang Yi, Director of Youth Sports and Education Dept., Shanghai Administration of Sports and Victor Bologan, FIDE Management Board Executive Director. Once again, the English Opening made an appearance, but this time Tan Zhongyi chose a double fianchetto setup. The opening, however, did not yield a favorable position for White after the challenger opted for 12.Ne5 instead of more natural 12.Na3-c4 played in the game Duda – Anand (Global Chess League, 2023). With straightforward and solid play, Black equalized first and then seized the initiative. A key weakness in White’s position was her knight on a3. In chess, we are taught the phrase “knights on the rim are dim” (coined by Siegbert Tarrasch in the 19th century) referring to their limited activity on the edge of the board. Though initially, Tan Zhongyi’s knight had good opening prospects, it remained on the edge for far too long, and when it eventually moved, it moved too much, dancing around the board and never finding a good square. Eventually, Black’s initiative turned into a tangible advantage: Ju appeared poised to secure her second consecutive point after she played 21…g5! with the idea of grabbing space on the kingside and taking control over the light squares. Not an easy move to find on the board, particularly since Black had many other attractive options in an already comfortable position. It was by far the best move and she made it! Tan blitzed out 22.Ne1 (the best defensive move in the position) and another critical moment arose. The combination of ideas revolving around g5-g4 and c5-c4 pushes became crucial. On the kingside, Black would control the light squares, preparing the knight’s hop into g5. Meanwhile, on the queenside, the creation of a passed pawn and the threat of pushing c3 loomed. The position was so commanding that FIDE commentator GM Evgenij Mirosnichenko remarked, “Black can even say ‘pass’ in this position and not make a move, and she would still be winning.” And yet, Ju followed up with one of the few moves that allowed White to fully equalize. 22…Bf6? Although at a glance the bishop on b2 appeared well-placed on the long diagonal, it was, in reality, an ineffective piece, facing little more than empty space. By playing …Bf6, Black gave White the opportunity to exchange this bishop, followed by a series of trades involving the rooks. In a flash, the venom was sucked out of Black’s position. Carrying out Black’s plan with ether 22…g4 or 22…c4 was key to sustaining the advantage, but with those trades, the initiative petered out. With most pieces removed from the board, Black’s earlier kingside expansion, once strength, became a liability as her king was exposed. Tan wisely kept the queens on the board, a decision that preserved her chances in a position where a knight endgame would have clearly favored Black, thanks to her queenside pawn majority and more active king. The position with queens, knights, and pawns remained balanced and appeared to be heading toward a draw. But in this match, assumptions about outcomes have often proven unreliable. Even seemingly equal positions have been transformed into wins by both players. Ju Wenjun had faltered in the second game’s endgame – her only misstep so far, leading to a loss. But since then, she has showcased impeccable endgame technique, vindicating herself with strong performances in successive games. Today was no exception. “The area of the game we’re the least good at is ‘passively waiting’,” remarked Mirosnichenko, referring to the subtle art of doing nothing when the position calls for it – allowing your opponent to reveal their hand. Ju seemed to grasp this nuance perfectly, while her compatriot did not. In this calm yet critical position, White did not remain patient. Instead, she played 31.h4?, a provocative move that introduced a range of tactical possibilities. Was this Tan’s attempt to press for a win? The move allowed Black to seize control with 31…g4! a dominating response that shifted the balance in her favor. After 32.Qb7+, there were some opportunities for White, as many of Black’s responses would lead to equality. However, a misstep such as 32…Kg6? Would have drastically changed the engine evaluation. This is an interesting tactical puzzle moment – how can White seize the advantage here? (solution at the end) But Ju responded precisely with 32…Qd7! forcing the exchange of queens and neutralizing any chance of counterplay. With the queens off the board, the endgame became straightforward. Ju centralized her king and converted the advantage confidently—delivering a masterclass in endgame play and making it appear effortless. Of course, no game on a world championship stage is ever truly easy, especially with the pressure involved. But Ju seems to be managing that pressure well, having won three of the last four games. She heads into the second half of the match with a commanding two-point lead. A strong surge in momentum, though, the two-day break could still shift the psychological dynamics. For Tan Zhongyi, the break offers a much-needed reset. She now returns to Chongqing with the weight of back-to-back losses. Whether playing on home soil will help revive her confidence remains to be seen. “It will be tough, but I’m a professional player and I know how to deal with pressure,” the challenger said when asked about how
Winners crowned at Asian Zonal 3.4 Championship
The Asian Regional Championship (Zone 3.4) serving as FIDE World Cup and Women’s World Cup qualifying competition has concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Bringing together the leading chess players from Central Asian countries, this tournament marked an important milestone for Kazakh and Central Asian chess on the road to global stage. After nine intense rounds, the winners emerged in both open and women’s sections: Women’s section: Afruza Khamdamova (Uzbekistan) Elnaz Kaliahmet (Kazakhstan) Meruert Kamalidenova (Kazakhstan) Complete final standings – Women Open section: Aldiyar Ansat (Kazakhstan) Satbek Akhmedinov (Kazakhstan) Alisher Suleimenov (Kazakhstan) Mukhammazokhid Suyarov (Uzbekistan) Complete final standings – Open Women’s tournament By the start of the final round, much had already been decided in the women’s tournament. At the top board, the leaders, 16-year-old Afruza Khamdamova (pictured above) and 14-year-old Elnaz Kaliahmet (pictured below) quickly agreed to a draw, punching their tickets to the Women’s World Cup. The battle for the last remaining spot was a tense showdown between Meruert Kamalidenova (pictured below) and Alua Nurman. Their game on the second board saw constant shifts in momentum, making it a nerve-wracking contest. Ultimately, Kamalidenova prevailed, clinching third place. Another standout player was 14-year-old Jahan Rejepova from Turkmenistan, who played an excellent tournament, including a convincing win over Lia Kurmangaliyeva. However, despite her strong performance, she fell short of reaching the podium. Open tournament The open tournament was a much closer contest. Going into the final round, at least seven participants had a chance to qualify for the World Cup. One of the biggest surprises was the performance by the 19-year-old Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan (pictured above). The 27-seed, 19-year-old scored a spectacular victory over Mukkhiddin Madaminov in just 23 moves, securing second place in the final standings, one of four coveted spots. Other Kazakhstan’s players also rose to the occasion in the final round. 16-year-old Aldiyar Ansat (pictured above) outmaneuvered Saidakbar Saidaliyev, while 24-year-old Alisher Suleimenov (pictured below) delivered a hard-fought win over Abdimalik Abdisalimov. Ansat finished in clear first place with 7.5/11, while Abdisalimov claimed third place. The last (fourth) qualifying spot in the open’s section went to Uzbekistan’s IM Mukhammazokhid Suyarov (pictured below), who secured a crucial victory over newly crowned GM Saparmurat Atabayev. Notably, Atabayev only needed a draw to qualify but failed to stop his determined opponent. President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Timur Turlov, reflected on the tournament: “This tournament reaffirmed the most important truth: Central Asia is proving itself as a growing force on the world chess stage. Our region is reaching new levels of skill and ambition, and we are doing it in our own unique style. Watching the incredible performances of our players fills our hearts with pride and fuels our belief that many future victories lie ahead. Yes, at the chessboard, we are competitors, but beyond it, we remain one family. In Central Asia, every success is a shared success, and support is more than just words—it is a genuine act of goodwill. Kazakhstan is honored to have hosted this tournament. However, this was not just an opportunity to showcase our hospitality and organizational strength but also a step toward strengthening our bonds with our brotherly nations. We are growing together, developing together, and inspiring one another to reach new heights. May it always be so.” Photo: Yevgeniy Kim
Ju Wenjun strikes and seizes the lead in Game 5
For the first time in the match, reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun has taken the lead, winning Game 5 in commanding fashion. After an opening that went awry for Tan Zhongyi, playing with the Black pieces, White quickly gained a significant advantage. Though the evaluation fluctuated, Ju remained in control, eventually picking up material for no compensation—leading to a completely dominant position and a well-deserved victory. Today’s game was a sharp contrast to the marathon 81-move draw in Game 4. In that encounter, Tan obtained promising positions but failed to convert. This time, the roles were reversed, and Ju Wenjun made no such mistake. She kept a firm grip on the position, never allowing her opponent a chance to escape. This sense of déjà vu has been a recurring theme throughout the match—even before it began. The same two players are once again battling for the world title, and this year, we’ve even seen repeated opening choices. In every game where Ju has had White, Tan has responded with the Sicilian. However, today, Tan opted for the Kan Variation, an intriguing decision that even drew a comment from Grandmaster Anish Giri on X (Twitter). As usual, Tan blitzed out her opening moves, appearing confident in her preparation (or at least projecting that impression). Throughout the match, her Black games have featured similar pawn structures. However, Ju, who typically takes more time in the opening, surprised her opponent with the early advance 10.c5 (a new move in this position), steering the game out of Tan’s prepared lines. For the first time in the match, Tan paused for 10 minutes on a single move. In the post-game press conference, Tan admitted that this move was not part of her preparation, so she had to find a way forward at the board. However, the plan she chose was not ideal. Her pieces became awkwardly placed, while Ju’s setup was smooth and harmonious. To make matters worse, Tan lagged in development, repeatedly moving the same minor pieces. A few moves later, White had taken the upper hand, but her advantage briefly slipped away: Here, the intermezzo 15.Qd4 would invite 15…cxb2, after which 16.Bxb2 creates powerful pressure along the a1–h8 diagonal. The move also targets the weakened kingside, controls the e5-square, and if Black castles (15…0-0), then 16.f5! would be devastating. In the game, Ju opted for 15.bxc3 – a solid choice that still retained an advantage. However, after 15…Bb7, the Qd4 idea became critical to implement. Instead, Ju played the more passive 16.Qe2, dropping a significant part of her advantage. Now, any kingside expansion with f5 could be met by the knight’s jumping to e5. Ju admitted in the post-game press conference that she did not spend much time on Qd4. Two moves later, it was actually Black who pushed 17…f5? (instead of the more reserved 17…Qc7), but it backfired, weakening her king’s position and leaving White with a commanding advantage. It was not easy getting a confidence read on Tan – she would often play with her usual speed, and stroll around the tournament hall even though the position on the board told a different story. The optics of confidence have worked for her so far, but this time a comeback seemed unlikely as the game progressed. Even though Ju did not convert her advantage with a surgical precision, she was always more comfortable, and the one in the driver’s seat. Eventually, she picked up another pawn and emerged two pawns up for which Black had no compensation. With a material advantage, an outside passed pawn, and better-coordinated pieces, White’s win became straightforward. Ju had a wide range of playable options, while Black struggled to find any plan at all. Yet, as we’ve seen throughout the match, it’s never truly over until the final move. Tan tried to stir up counterplay, first by exchanging two minor pieces for a rook and a pawn, followed by infiltrating White’s vulnerable back rank with threats of mate. Ju had to navigate carefully, sidestepping potential pitfalls. But the World Champion demonstrated necessary accuracy when it mattered most. Eventually, with her ammunition run out, Tan Zhongyi had nothing left to fire and, after 59 moves, she resigned. This marks the first time Ju Wenjun has taken the lead in the match – an important psychological boost, especially with the added confidence of playing on home soil. One final game remains in Shanghai before the match moves to Chongqing, and it is shaping up to be the most psychologically significant of the match so far. FACT SHEET, Game 5, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Ju WenjunBlack: Tan ZhongyiResult: 1-0Opening: Sicilian Defence, Kan VariationGame length: 59 movesMatch score: 3-2 (in favour of Ju Wenjun) Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
Third annual Autism Talks held in Almaty, Kazakhstan
On April 6, Almaty, Kazakhstan held the third annual Autism Talks as part of the Asian Championship of Zone 3.4. The event, dedicated to the World Autism Awareness Day (observed every year on April 2) celebrated inspiring stories of parents of special children. The event was organized by Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KFC), the national partner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), as part of the FIDE’s Infinite Chess project. The FIDE Infinite Chess initiative aims to develop inclusive chess education, and its first steps in Kazakhstan began in November 2024 at Special Boarding School No. 1. In 2025, the project expanded to Almaty, launching at the “Autism Pobedim!” Center, where international coach Vitaliy Kozyak trains two groups of students. The program featured heartfelt presentations by parents, specialists, public figures, and experts. The speackerskers included: Aruzhan Sain, Aliya Arkharova, Zhanna Kalieva, Rustam Kairbekov, Madina Nurkenova, and others. The meeting was moderated by Dinara Gaplan. As part of the expert session, the following professionals shared their knowledge and experience: psychiatrist Asel Ibraeva, behavioral analyst Asiya Kizatova, FIDE Infinite Chess ambassador Nadezhda Kravchuk, psychologist Bakyttygul Akhmetjanova, and UN volunteer Maulen Akhmetov. “In collaboration with FIDE and the Bolashak Foundation, we at the Kazakhstan Chess Federation are committed to systematically developing inclusive initiatives. We deeply believe that chess is a language that does not require words, but has the power to unite. That is why we launched the Infinite Chess project, opening new horizons for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities,” said Darmen Sadvakasov, Vice President of KCF. The event concluded with a simultaneous exhibition for children led by Grandmaster and the 2024 World Junior Champion, Kazybek Nogerbek, followed by a prize draw for partners that included chess sets, books, certificates, and courses. Photos: Yevgeniy Kim
Draw full of drama: Tan Zhongyi misses her chance to take the lead
Time trouble and middlegame madness characterized today’s game, and not just in moments, but throughout nearly every phase. It was a game that teased decisive results, but ultimately ended in a draw that felt anything but quiet. With two of the three previous games in the match ending decisively, today’s clash carried psychological weight. Would the players opt for a cautious draw, or dare to push for a lead? If the match so far was any indication, fireworks were more likely than fizzle, and indeed, the game sparked to life straight out of the opening. Song Hui, Deputy Director of Shanghai Administration of Sports and Mohd AI-Mudahka, Arab Chess Federation 1st Vice-President performed the first ceremonial moves in Game 4. Tan Zhongyi revisited her Game 2 opening with 1.c4, but Ju Wenjun deviated with 1…e6, followed by a confident 2…Bb4 after 2.Nc3. Tan paused only briefly before playing 3.Qb3, bringing her queen out early. Known for her quick play that showcases her confidence, Tan even remarked in yesterday’s press conference that she believes she could be playing faster. It made one wonder whether Ju’s opening preparation had surprised her. However, it was Ju who soon began to fall behind on the clock, and by move 6, the players had reached a position unseen at top level. Once again, they entered an original battleground. The first clear sign that this would be a fighting game came when Ju sacrificed a pawn in exchange for activity and attacking chances. Tan declined the offer, continuing with 12.Be3, but then, a few moves later, she offered her own pawn in return: Ignoring Black’s pressure on the d-pawn, Tan played 18.Bf4, causing Ju to burn 20 minutes on her reply. After 18…Nxd4 19.Rfd1 Nb5 20.Nxb5 axb5 21.Qb3, Black found herself in a tangled position and short on time, with just over 20 minutes remaining. At this point, White seemed poised to score a third straight win in the match. Tan had outplayed her opponent and taken control. But perhaps that very control made her overconfident as Tan missed a critical detail. Here, 24.Qxb6 would have restored material balance while leaving White with the bishop pair, actively placed pieces, a dangerous outside passed pawn and great winning chances. Instead, Tan opted for the ambitious 24.Bd6, perhaps envisioning a continuation like 24…Re8 25.Ba3 and a smooth path to victory. In the post-game press conference, Tan said that she simply miscalculated. Ju, however, quickly responded with 24…Ra5! Suddenly, …Qxb6 was no longer attractive due to …Nc8, which would neutralize White’s advantage by eliminating the bishop pair. The tide turned. The game continued and an interesting moment arose on move 30 which I want to present to the reader as a fun puzzle (you can find the solution at the end). Here, Ju had the opportunity to play 30…d4, sacrificing a pawn (a recurring motif in the game). But this pawn was poisoned. If White captured with 31.Rxd4, she would walk into serious trouble. (Try solving this as a puzzle – solution at the end!) Instead, Ju played 30…Bf5, preparing the exchange of light-squared bishops. A few moves later, she misjudged a queen trade, and White regained the advantage with a bishop versus knight, a more active rook, and a dangerous outside passed pawn. But the pattern repeated. Tan, in her trademark rapid style, pushed her b-pawn too early, neglecting a vital endgame principle: activating the king before advancing. Though her plan was correct, the sequence mattered, and this inaccuracy allowed Ju to counter with her d-pawn, pushing it all the way to the second rank. It was ultimately exchanged for White’s h-pawn, and the once-promising b-pawn had barely moved. Ju’s time trouble, an ongoing theme in the match, returned in full force. With under a minute on her clock and a tough position to navigate, she was under tremendous pressure. Tan, still up by over 20 minutes, tried to keep the heat on by playing quickly. But once again, this cost her dearly. In a position where precision was key, she missed the optimal move order, and the game became a technically drawn rook and pawn endgame. On move 81, with only the kings left on the board, the players shook hands as the game was drawn. The match was destined to be a closely contested one, and today’s game proved it once again. Tan had her chances, and expressed disappointment in her play in the post-game press conference, but Ju showed why she is the reigning World Champion and found key moves in critical moments. Tomorrow they will have their second official rest day before resuming the battle. Puzzle Solution The d4 pawn push opened up the d5-square for Black so 31.Rxd4 is met with 31…Nd5! And White has to capture as the queen and bishop are forked. But 32.Bxd5 runs into 32…Qb1+ 33.Kg2 Bxd5+ 34.Rxd5 and 34…Qe4+! picking up the rook. FACT SHEET, Game 4, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Tan ZhongyiBlack: Ju WenjunResult: ½-½Opening: EnglishGame length: 81 movesMatch score: 2-2 Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
Fridrik Olafsson (1935 – 2025)
Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland’s first Grandmaster and the fourth President of FIDE, has died aged 90. A six-time national champion and two-time Nordic Chess Champion, he led the global chess body from 1978 to 1982. Born on January 26, 1935, in Reykjavik, Olafsson was taught chess by his father when he was eight. His first big national success came at the age of 17, when he won the Icelandic chess championship in 1952. This would be the first of six national titles (1952, 1953, 1957, 1961, 1962, and 1969). The following year, Olafsson became the Scandinavian Champion and also won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship. He rose to international prominence at the 1955–56 Hastings Chess Congress, where he shared first place with Viktor Korchnoi. Arriving late and without a hotel reservation, he spent his first night in a Hastings police station cell—courtesy of a sympathetic officer. Olafsson qualified for the 1958–60 World Championship cycle, finishing joint 5th at the Portorož Interzonal, which earned him the Grandmaster title—making him the first Icelander to do so—and a place in the 1959 Candidates Tournament. This was the peak of his playing career. Playing at the top, he defeated Bobby Fischer, Tigran Petrosian and Mikhail Tal—each on two occasions—establishing himself among the world’s elite. At the 1959 Candidates tournament in Yugoslavia, he famously defeated Tigran Petrosian in front of a crowd of 5,000 spectators, who – according to Harry Golombek – celebrated by carrying him on their shoulders afterwards. In 1976 Olafsson shared first place with Ljubomir Ljubojevic at the prestigious Wijk aan Zee tournament. He was a runner-up at the event in 1971, sharing second place with Gligoric, Petrosian and Ivkov. Olafsson represented Iceland in eight Chess Olympiads between 1952 and 1980. In 1980, while serving as FIDE President, Olafsson defeated reigning World Champion Anatoly Karpov at the Clarin Tournament in Buenos Aires. The victory earned him membership in the so-called “Mikhail Chigorin Club”—players who beat a sitting world champion but never became one themselves. Although Fridrik Olafsson never secured the World Chess Championship title, he frequently stood atop the global chess podiums—not as a player, but as the President of FIDE. In 1978, at the Congress in Buenos Aires, he defeated Narciso Rabell Mendez and Svetozar Gligorić to become the fourth president of the world governing body of chess, succeeding Max Euwe. During his mandate as President, Olafsson focused on securing more commercial sponsorship for FIDE and improving relations between the Soviets and the rest of the chess world. He also oversaw the controversial 1981 World Championship match between Viktor Korchnoi and Karpov. In the 1982 election, Olafsson lost to Florencio Campomanes. Though best known for his chess achievements, Olafsson’s professional background was in law. Before FIDE, he worked at the Icelandic Ministry of Justice. Afterwards, he served as Secretary-General of the Icelandic Parliament. In January, he celebrated his 90th birthday, at which he was joined by the active FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Olafsson will be remembered as the man who put Iceland on the global chess map—well before the 1972 Fischer–Spassky match—and helped FIDE grow in stature during a pivotal era.
“Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition” – Follow-up on celebrating autism inclusion through chess and community
On April 6, the Infinite Chess initiative hosted “Infinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition”, a transformative online event that united global advocates, educators, and families to advance autism awareness and inclusion. With powerful speeches, heartfelt stories, and the premiere of an exclusive project video, the meetup illuminated how chess and community support can unlock potential for children on the spectrum. The event began with inspiring words from Dana Reizniece (Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and Project Supervisor), André Vögtlin (Chair of the FIDE Social Commission), and Anastasia Sorokina (Chair of FIDE Women’s Commission and Infinite Chess Project Leader). Their messages underscored FIDE’s commitment to leveraging chess as a tool for social impact. A highlight of the opening was the premiere of “FIDE Infinite Chess – A Visionary Approach to Modern Chess“, created with immense support of Kazakhstan Chess Federation a 10-minute video showcasing the project’s mission, strategic partnerships, and real-world impact. The film set the stage for discussions on how chess transcends borders and abilities. Key moments that inspired action 1. Dismantling Stigma with Practical Solutions Doreen Dia, Occupational Therapist and CEO/founder of iPromise Rehab and Care Services in The Gambia, shared actionable strategies to combat societal stigma. Her insights emphasized: The role of community education in fostering acceptance. Adaptive learning techniques for neurodiverse children. How local advocacy creates systemic change. “Breaking stigma starts with small, courageous conversations,” she reminded attendees. 2. Chess as a Catalyst for Growth Ritha James Makame, Life Skills Coordinator at the Ilyanna Foundation and Infinite Chess teacher, revealed the challenges and triumphs of teaching chess to children with autism. Her approach—rooted in patience and creativity—demonstrated how the game: Enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving. Builds social connections through structured interaction. Empowers teachers and parents to collaborate effectively. 3. A Mother’s Unwavering Love Renata Nair, mother of Teegan (a student in the Infinite Chess project, South Africa), moved the audience with her raw, hopeful journey. She described: The pivotal role chess played in Teegan’s confidence and focus. How community support alleviates isolation for families. Why inclusive programs like Infinite Chess are lifelines. “Every small victory is a testament to what’s possible,” Renata shared. Honoring Champions: The Infinite Chess partners awards The event culminated in the Infinite Chess Partners Awards, celebrating unsung heroes in autism advocacy. Winners—nominated included: Pioneer Partner – Pep Suárez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Luis Blanso de la Cruz, Madrid Chess Academy, Club Ajedrez 64 Villalba (Spain), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar), Franck Droin (France). Regional Growth Leader – Pep Suárez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Erick Takawira, KZN Chess Academy (South Africa), Kanthi Sarjoo, The Browns’ School (South Africa), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar). Accuracy and Detail Excellence – Viesturs Kapče (Latvia), Buddhi Nirukshi Panagoda (UK), Rita Wu, Taiwan Youth Chess Association (Taiwan). Event Participation Champion – Melodi Dincel (Turkey), Charomova Evguenia (New Zealand), Susana Gonçalves, Association Chess2All (Portugal). Innovation Leader – Ng Teck Sen, Bumblebee Training Centre (Malaysia), Anu Bayar, ABChess Academy (Mongolia), Keunae Choe, EBC Foundation (USA). Outstanding Support – Luciano Gomes de Sousa (Brazil), Christina Aziz (The Gambia), Viviane Bejjani-Aziz (The Gambia), Elly O. Goro, IYANNA FOUNDATION (Tanzania). Collaboration Excellence – Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Kamal Daoudi, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Dalila Mougaa, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Albanian Chess Federation. Impactful Communicator – Dr. Ankita Sanghavi, Innocent Times School (India), Netra Patkar, ZEP Rehabilitation Centre (India), Mark Bryan (Cyprus). The awards underscored the power of collective effort in driving inclusion. “What an inspiring event! Today, we’ve shared knowledge, stories, and hope. Let’s carry this momentum forward—keep advocating, connecting, and uplifting. A huge thank you to our speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team. Stay tuned for future events, and remember: every step counts in creating a more inclusive world. Until next time—take care, stay inspired, and keep shining!” were Maria Tamkovich’s closing words. Carrying the Momentum Forward Watch & Share the Infinite Chess video to spread awareness. Recorded video of the online meetup. Join the Movement via #InfiniteChess on social media. Support inclusive chess programs in your community. A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team for making this event a milestone in autism advocacy. Together, we’re proving that chess is more than a game—it’s a universal language of opportunity. “The spectrum is infinite, and so is our potential to make a difference.” Infinite Chess website: infinitechess.fide.com/
Ju Wenjun strikes back: World Champion levels the score with endgame magic
World Champion Ju Wenjun equalized the score in Game 3 of the FIDE Women’s World Championship, redeeming her endgame blunder in Game 2 with precise and elegant play today. In a battle that lasted over five hours and 87 moves, Tan Zhongyi blundered on move 60, allowing Ju to seize the advantage and play an instructive endgame with the principle of two weaknesses, ultimately claiming victory. The playing hall today was graced by four Women’s World Champions; the reigning champion and challenger, along with Zhu Chen and Xu Yuhua, the second and third women’s world champions from China. Chen, the current FIDE Treasurer, and Yuhua, Secretary General of the Chinese Chess Association, made the ceremonial first moves on the board. Following the ceremony, the clock was started and the game commenced. It featured a repeat of the first game’s Sicilian, where the World Champion introduced 3.c4, the Kramnik Variation, a rare sideline occasionally seen at the highest level, including during the Carlsen-Caruana World Championship match. It was a curious choice, as statistics tend to favor Black in this line. Tan Zhongyi paused to consider her response, and soon the players entered a completely uncharted position. It was clear that both had exited home preparation, as they began using significant time on their moves. The game transitioned into a position where both players had isolated pawns – White on c3 and Black on d5, with Ju once again at a time disadvantage. Understandably so, as the position remained balanced and called for subtle maneuvering. With the white pieces, Ju had to look for chances to create imbalances, prolong the game, and prevent Black from steering it toward a draw – without taking undue risks so early in the match. Black managed to simplify with a series of trades, and the game seemed to be heading toward a dry draw. However, the position was still rich in tactical possibilities and required precise play. This match has shown that even seemingly equal positions are far from over – as evidenced by Ju’s decisive blunder in Game 2. Ju held the initiative, with active pieces and the bishop pair, while Tan’s position was more passive, putting her on the defensive and having to remain solid. It was far easier for White to find natural moves, while Black faced challenges. True to her style, Ju kept pressing, attempting to squeeze out chances, though her time management remained a concern, having cost her the previous game. Tan took advantage of this by playing confidently and quickly, blitzing out moves and putting the pressure on Ju. An important moment came on move 37: White has just captured the d5 pawn, and the only move for Black was the tricky 37…Ne3, preparing to recapture the pawn. Anything else would leave White a pawn up with dominant pieces. After some thought, Tan found the only move, and Ju, having anticipated this, responded immediately with 38.h4, the best follow-up. After 38…Qg4, Black remained a pawn down and had to choose the least harmful version of the position. At this point, Ju’s body language shifted – she sat upright and focused, while Tan began to consume more time. This was Ju’s domain: technical positions. As FIDE commentator Evgenij Miroshnichenko noted, “A game of chess has a fantastic amount of resources for both sides.” Following a series of forced trades, the game simplified into an endgame with opposite-colored bishops with a pair of rooks still on the board. White held an extra passed pawn on c3, and although the position remained theoretically equal, the players reached the additional time control at move 40 with a long endgame ahead. The c-pawn was difficult to advance, and Ju needed a weakness on the kingside to make progress. She continued pressing, and her opportunity arrived on move 60. Black committed a critical error with 60…Bc6? The idea of trading the rooks was correct, but the execution was flawed. It was essential not to remove protection from f7-pawn and while keeping White’s king at bay with 60…Re2! The key is to meet 61.Kg5 with 61…Re4! As played, after 61.Kg5, trouble loomed. 61…Ra4 failed to the intermediate 62.Be5+, and after 62…Ke7 63.Rb2, White preserved the rooks – a crucial detail, as a pure opposite-colored bishop endgame would likely end in a draw. From there, Ju’s plan was clear: her king advanced to g7, the rook stayed active, and the c-pawn became a growing threat. Black, by contrast, had active counterplay. Her weak f7-pawn and the advancing c-pawn were too much to handle. What kept viewers on edge was Ju’s time pressure. But this is the reigning Women’s World Blitz Champion, and even with only minutes on the clock, she navigated the complications masterfully. She confidently found the best moves and brought home a well-deserved win. In the post-game press conference, she said that the endgame was relatively straightforward, so her low time did not concern her and after 73.f3 she felt she was winning. We have witnessed endgame magic from both players in the last two games, where their ability to keep pushing in equal positions, and ultimately yield decisive results, is highly admirable. It surely serves as a lesson to not give up, and beautifully shows the infinite possibilities in chess. Ironically, things are not always clear-cut black and white. With the score once again leveled, and two decisive results in the first three games, the match is shaping up to be nothing short of exciting. The fourth game will be played on Monday, April 7, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Tan Zhongyi playing White. FACT SHEET, Game 3, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Tan ZhongyiBlack: Ju WenjunResult: 0–1Opening: Sicilian DefenseGame length: 87 movesMatch score: 1.5–1.5 Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information. Written by Charlize van Zyl Photos: Anna Shtourman Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/ About the Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship
1st FIDE Council meeting 2025: List of decisions published
1st FIDE Council meeting March 21-22, 2025 List of decisions CM1-2025/01 To note President’s report. CM1-2025/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM1-2025/03 To instruct FIDE President to continue the negotiations regarding FIDE’s online projects based on Council members’ suggestions. CM1-2025/04 To note FIDE Calendar 2024/2025. CM1-2025/05 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report. CM1-2025/06 To approve the Global Strategy Commission’s proposal regarding the reversal of the qualification paths B and C due to the swap in the chronological order of the World Cup and Grand Swiss tournaments for the year 2025. CM1-2025/07 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report. CM1-2025/08 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM1-2025/09 To note the Qualification Commission report. CM1-2025/10 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM1-2025/11 To approve the award of direct titles to ASEAN youth event and to the Central Asia Youth Chess Championship. CM1-2025/12 To approve the Qualification Commission decision not to rate the tournaments that took place in July-August 2024 in Mramorak, Serbia. CM1-2025/13 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM1-2025/14 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM1-2025/15 To approve the FIDE World Cadet U8, U10, U12 Championships 2025 to be organized in Almaty, Kazakhstan. CM1-2025/16 To approve the World Championships 2027 in age categories U7, U9 and U11 to be organised by the Spanish Chess Federation and the World Championships 2027 in age categories U13, U15 and U17 by the Turkish Chess Federation, subject to the successful inspection. CM1-2025/17 To award the World Cadet Rapid and Blitz Championships 2027 to Spain to be organised during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Chess Federation subject to the successful inspection. CM1-2025/18 To note the Chess in Education Commission’s report CM1-2025/19 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM1-2025/20 To approve the Chess in Education Commission’s proposal in respect of the Regulations for Accreditation in Chess in Education. CM1-2025/21 To note the changes in the Fair Play Commission and the report on their way forward. CM1-2025/22 To approve the recommendations of the Fair Play Commission on titles. CM1-2025/23 To approve that a working group comprising representatives from the respective FIDE Commissions be established to elaborate on the proposal regarding sanctions for the breach of Fair Play Regulations. CM1-2025/24 To note the Planning and Development Commission’s report. CM1-2025/25 To conditionally approve the Planning and Development Commission’s proposal in respect of the Development Index Regulations, taking into consideration the FIDE Council’s input. CM1-2025/26 To approve the proposal of the Historical Committee regarding the nominations for the World Chess Hall of Fame: E. Bogolyubov, P. Cramling, J. Timman and V. Hort. CM1-2025/27 To support in principle establishing continuous bi-annual FIDE Awards, establishing a working group that would define awards categories and selection criteria. CM1-2025/28 To note the Commission’s for Women’s Chess report. CM1-2025/29 To note Continental Presidents’ reports. CM1-2025/30 To approve that an official warning in respect of its arrears before the continent is issued to the Venezuela Chess Federation with the payment deadline of July 1st2025. To inform the Venezuela Chess Federation that FIDE may withdraw its services (art. 6.3. of the Financial Rules) CM1-2025/31 To note the Constitutional Commission’s report and to instruct the Commission to develop the draft of the guidelines for all situations related to the development of chess in any territories with dispute status. CM1-2025/32 To approve the launch of the FIDE digital museum project. CM1-2025/33 To confirm that if a player who qualified from a certain zone/continent for the FIDE World Cup/FIDE Women’s World Cup afterwards changes his or her national federation and the new national federation doesn’t belong to the same zone/continent, the corresponding spot shall be awarded to the player who finished as the next best ranked in that qualifying tournament. 1st FC Meeting 2025 – List of Decisions (PDF)
FIDE World Cup 2025 Under 8, 10, 12: Players with personal rights
According to 3. 4. A of WC regulations top 3 players from each age category (6 X 3 = 18 players) by FIDE standard rating (April 1, 2025) are granted personal rights to participate in the FIDE World Cup 2025 Under 8,10, and 12, which will be held in Batumi, Georgia from June 22 to July 3. The above-mentioned players with personal rights will receive free full board accommodation (in twin share rooms) from June 22 (lunch) to July 3 (breakfast). The players with personal rights will also get travel compensation for air-tickets – €600 for players from Europe and €1,200 for players from other continents. The list of top players by FIDE standard rating as of April 1, 2025: The registration deadline is April 22, 2025. If any player does not accept the invitation by April 22, 2025, the spot be allocated as an additional organizer wildcard. In order to ensure proper tournament standards, FIDE member federations must fully complete the Excel registration form and send it back to the contact person before the registration deadline April 22, 2025. Incomplete registrations will not be accepted. WC will be played in two stages. Stage 1 will be a 7-round Swiss system tournament. In Stage 2, players who finish in the same position in each group will play against each other. Prizes: 6 Playing categories X 3 Players each category = 18 players (Open 8, 10, 12 + Girls 8, 10, 12) I Cup, Medal, Diploma, MacBook Air 2023/24 II Cup, Medal, Diploma, iPhone 16 III Medal, Diploma, IPAD The top three finishers in each age category/any gender will get free FB (in twin share rooms with bath and/or shower) for the World Cadets championship of the same year. Each participant will receive an appropriate certificate. Contact Information E-mail: wcc@fide.comOfficial website – wcc2025.fide.com/