Game 7 turns dramatic: Ju Wenjun capitalizes to lead 5-2
After a two-day break, the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match resumed with Game 7 in its second host city, Chongqing—and what a dramatic game it was. It looked as though Tan Zhongyi was on track to repeat her 2018 feat by claiming victory in the first game of the second half, but under immense time pressure, she first allowed her advantage to slip into equality and then made a critical error that left her in a completely lost position. Ju Wenjun converted with precision, extending her lead in the match to 5–2. The ceremonial first moves were made by Xu Yuhua, General Secretary of the Chinese Chess Association (and, of course, the 11th Women’s World Chess Champion), and Wu Hui, Member of the Standing Committee of the Chongqing Fuling District Committee. The moment before the game began was tense. As the 60-second timer on the clock counted down, the hall fell completely silent. Both players were locked in deep focus, their eyes fixed on the board. One could almost feel the pressure in the air. While both players face the shared weight of a World Championship match, their circumstances differ greatly. Tan Zhongyi, the challenger, began the second half trailing by two points—a significant deficit that will require her to take risks in the remaining games to try and level the score. Ju Wenjun, the reigning World Champion, holds the lead, but also bears the pressure of maintaining it. We’ve now left her home turf, which seemed to favor her, so the question becomes: Can she keep up her momentum on Tan’s home ground? Of the first six games, four ended decisively—a rare occurrence at the World Championship level. And with so much at stake for both players, that trend of decisive results may well continue. Once again, the opening was a Sicilian—in fact, every game with Ju as White and Tan as Black has featured the Sicilian, while every game with the reverse colors has seen an English Opening. Though this repetition might seem monotonous, the variations have been different. In today’s game, we saw a Rossolimo, setting the stage for an imbalanced, fighting battle. Both players appeared well-prepared, with Ju achieving another Maroczy Bind setup, her pawns on e4 and c4. Tan responded confidently, blitzing out moves from a line previously played by her second, Jeffrey Xiong, against Wesley So in 2020. While Xiong lost that game with the Black pieces, Tan deviated with 9…Be7 instead of 9…Bc4. Interestingly, neither player was aware of that earlier game. Overall, Tan has shown superior opening preparation throughout the match, and today was no exception—until Ju steered the game out of theory and into uncharted territory. An interesting observation: Tan spent more time in the opening than in any of the previous games. In the post-game press conference, she admitted this was a deliberate attempt to find variations that would give her winning chances right from the opening. Ironically, that approach eventually led to the fateful time trouble. Still, it was Black who seemed more comfortable, maintaining an edge through much of the opening and middlegame. She even secured an extra pawn, and with the bishop pair on the board, her position looked promising. However, failing to capitalize on key moments, Tan eventually allowed the position to equalize, until, under time pressure, she committed the most critical error of the game: Black had multiple options in this position, such as 35…Kg7 and 35…Rb4, and needed to realize that the c6-pawn could not be protected due to …Bb7, activating her worst-placed piece. Instead, Tan erred by first playing 35…Bb7?, stubbornly holding onto the pawn. This was met with 36.Bc5!, forcing the dark-squared bishops trade; otherwise, White’s knight would jump to d6. After 36…Bxc5 37.Nxc5, the tables turned and White now had a monster knight versus a miserable bishop. Tan could have tried to resist with the 37…a4 push, but this opportunity was missed. Instead her bishop became locked up on a8, with the key effectively thrown away. White soon collected the h-pawn, then the a-pawn, and played the remainder of the game essentially a piece up due to Black’s bad bishop. This game was expected to unfold differently—even this report was originally written with a focus on positional nuances and critical decisions from both sides. But ultimately, Tan’s 35…Bb7 became the game’s defining moment. Despite playing well and gaining an advantage with the Black pieces, that one move overshadowed everything else. In chess, it’s often said that the loser is the one who makes the last mistake, and today, that was Tan Zhongyi. Ju Wenjun now leads the match 5-2 and needs only 1.5 points from the remaining five games to retain her title. Game 8 will take place tomorrow, April 14, at 15:00 local time, with Tan Zhongyi having the white pieces. FACT SHEET, Game 7, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025: White: Ju WenjunBlack: Tan ZhongyiResult: 1-0Opening: Sicilian RossolimoGame length: 47 movesMatch score: 5-2 (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.
2025 European Women’s Championship: Teodora Injac captures title
IM Teodora Injac of Serbia emerged as the winner of the 25th European Women’s Championship. The native of Belgrade claimed the title with an impressive score 9.5/11, finishing 1.5 points ahead of the field. The competition was held in Rhodes, Greece, from March 31 to April 10. This Mediterranean island hosted the event for the second consecutive year. The championship—an 11-round Swiss tournament with classical time control—brought together nearly 140 players from 34 European federations, including 7 GMs, 22 WGMs, 25 IMs, and 20 WIMs. The total prize fund amounted to €60,000, with €10,000 awarded to the champion. Second-seeded Injac (pictured below) had a shaky start, losing her first-round game to Anastasia Kirtadze of Georgia. However, the Serbian star roared back, reeling off nine (!) straight wins to secure the title with a round to spare. IMs Irina Bulmaga (ROU), Mai Narva (EST), and Aleksandra Maltsevskaya each scored 8/11, tying for second place. Bulmaga and Narva claimed silver and bronze, respectively, thanks to superior Buchholz tiebreaks. As many as ten players, including top seed Nino Batsiashvili of Georgia, shared fifth place with 7.5/11. WFM Anastasia Kirtadze led the tournament up to the halfway mark and was one of the event’s biggest revelations. Despite stumbling in the final rounds, she finished with a respectable 6.5/11 and gained 154 rating points. Final standings: 1 IM Injac, Teodora SRB 2454 9½ 2 IM Bulmaga, Irina ROU 2362 8 3 IM Narva, Mai EST 2380 8 4 IM Maltsevskaya, Aleksandra POL 2376 8 5 IM Tsolakidou, Stavroula GRE 2445 7½ 6 IM Javakhishvili, Lela GEO 2429 7½ 7 GM Batsiashvili, Nino GEO 2473 7½ 8 GM Ushenina, Anna UKR 2428 7½ 9 IM Daulyte-Cornette, Deimante FRA 2389 7½ 10 IM Mammadova, Gulnar AZE 2342 7½ 11 IM Mkrtchian, Lilit ARM 2388 7½ Complete final standings The European Women’s Chess Championship 2025 was a qualification event for the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup. 11 players qualified for the biggest women’s tournament of the year that will take place from 5-29 July in Batumi, Georgia. ECU Commission for Women’s Chess presented the WOM ECU Performance Excellence Awards. IM Eline Robers (NED, 2367) won the Junior U20 Award (Celebrating rising starts) as the highest-ranked player U20, WFM Anastasia Kirtadze (GEO, 2180) won the Junior U16 Award and the Performance Award for a player rated U2200. Andzhelika Nenova (BUL) won the Performance Award for a player rated U2000. The Awards were presented by the Chairperson of the ECU Commission for Women’s Chess Antoaneta Stefanova. The closing ceremony took place in the playing venue with the attendance of the ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, ECU Secretary General Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, ECU Vice President Mr. Alojzije Jankovic, ECU Treasurer Ion-Serban Dobronauteanu, Chairperson of the ECU Commission for Women’s Chess Antoaneta Stefanova, and other distinguished guests. Photos: European Chess Union and Mark Livshitz Official website: ewcc2025.com/
Chongqing welcomes the second half of Women’s World Championship Match
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship Match between reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun and Challenger Tan Zhongyi continues in Chongqing, where the second half of the match was officially opened today with a press conference at the luxurious Jinke Grand Hotel – the venue for the remainder of the event. The players and their teams arrived yesterday evening after a long journey from Shanghai, which included a 2.5-hour flight followed by a scenic bus ride from Chongqing Airport to the hotel. Nestled in the mountains, Chongqing is one of the largest cities in the world. As Tan Zhongyi noted during the Game 6 press conference, although the match is taking place in her home city, it is still quite far from where she resides. Beyond the picturesque views, what truly stood out was the warmth and hospitality of the people. The local organizing committee went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and comfortable arrival for all traveling from Shanghai. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail reflect a high level of professionalism. The press conference panel featured several distinguished officials: Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board Dana Reizniece, Secretary General of the Chinese Chess Association Xu Yuhua, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau Du Xueyong, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Chongqing Fuling District Committee Wu Hui. Representing FIDE, Dana Reizniece extended heartfelt thanks to the organizing teams in both Shanghai and Chongqing for their commitment and dedication: “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of the first part of the match in Shanghai—the Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Chinese Chess Association, the Shanghai Chess Academy, and the Shanghai Board and Card Games Administrative Center. The tournament was exceptionally well organized, and the conditions provided for both players and officials were outstanding. The professionalism and dedication of the organizers ensured a world-class experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your excellent work. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Chongqing Administration of Sports, the Chess Department of China Qi-yuan, and the Chongqing Board and Card Games Administrative Center for having us here. We had the pleasure of experiencing their outstanding work during the 2023 match, and we are confident that, once again, we will witness the same level of dedication, professionalism, and commitment over the coming days.” At the heart of this match lies a celebration of women and chess. Dana Reizniece continued: “For nearly a century, the world of chess has celebrated its queens. From the trailblazing Vera Menchik in 1927 to Ju Wenjun today, 17 extraordinary women have held the title of World Champion, each leaving a lasting legacy and opening doors for the next generation. China has played an incredible role in this. Today’s match between Tan Zhongyi and Ju Wenjun is not only a milestone for the sport — but also a moment of national pride. China is one of the world’s leading chess nations, producing world champions and contributing greatly to the development of our sport. Women’s chess has seen remarkable growth, and FIDE is proud to have placed its development at the heart of our mission. And yet, our work is far from over. FIDE is proud to support this growth through new initiatives like the Women’s Grand Prix, tournaments for women and girls, support for chess moms competing in over-the-board events, and many others — all aimed at creating more opportunities for female players around the world.” Mr. Du Xueyong then took the floor to present the match schedule and logistical preparations. The second half consists of six games, unless a player reaches 6.5 points before that, which would secure the title. If the match is tied after 12 classical games, tiebreaks will follow to determine the winner and crown the new champion. The championship trophy – a stunning glass Phoenix Coronet, was unveiled today by Ms. Reizniece. Crafted using an ancient Chinese glass-making technique, it features a delicately designed peony flower at its center. Known as the “king of flowers,” the peony is a symbol of prosperity, grace, and beauty in Chinese culture. The process of creating the trophy also holds deep meaning: “Craftsmen fired the pink peony at temperatures over a thousand degrees. Every step was done with great care and skill. This process reflects the spirit of craftsmanship – just like a chess champion, the trophy was made through hard work, many challenges, and the pursuit of excellence.” Soon, a new Women’s World Champion will be crowned. Who will lift the phoenix coronet – Ju Wenjun, defending her title, or Tan Zhongyi, reclaiming it once again? The seventh game is scheduled to begin tomorrow, April 13, 2025, at 15:00 local time. 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 will follow 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 typically involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
FIDE Women’s Grand Prix travels to Pune, India
The fifth leg of the 2024-25 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, organized by the Maharashtra Chess Association and the International Chess Federation, is set to take place in Pune, India, from April 13-24. Ten of the world’s leading female players will meet once again to determine who will qualify for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. With only two events to go (India and Austria) the Grand Prix is reaching its peak – several players are still in contention for the two qualifying spots. Previously spelled Poona, Pune is the second-largest city in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai and, with more than seven million residents, it’s the seventh most populous metropolitan area in India. Of the utmost historical importance, Pune was the seat of the Peshwas, the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. Consistently ranked among India’s most livable cities, Pune is also a major IT and automobile hub. About the Event The Women’s Grand Prix Series 2024–25 features 20 players, with each player participating in three of the six tournaments. Each event is a 10-player round-robin, where participants earn points based on their final standings. The series winner is determined by the total cumulative points earned across all three tournaments played. Prize Fund: €80,000 per event, with an additional €120,000 distributed among the top 10 finishers in the overall standings. Qualification:The top two players from the series will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Candidates Qualification Status After four out of five legs completed, Aleksandra Goryachkina is leading the Grand Prix standings. She has already played her three selected events, totalling 308 points. Thanks to her first place in both the Shymkent and Monaco legs, along with an excellent shared 3rd in Cyprus, everything seems to point towards her qualification. Nevertheless, the second spot is up for grabs, with several players in reach–five of them will be competing in Pune. The line-up With India holding the Men’s World Championship title and securing double Olympic gold in Budapest, the country’s chess is booming. It stands to reason that all four of India’s top female players – Humpy, Harika, Vaishali and Divya – are set to participate in Pune, with their eyes set on that second spot. The Olympic team is in action! They will be joined by Zhu Jiner, fresh off her shared first in Cyprus, and Alina Kashlinskaya, who triumphed in the Tbilisi inaugural event. Both of them are in clear contention for qualification, having scored 100+ points in their first event. Nurgyul Salimova will also compete in India, seeking to improve on her eighth-place finish in Shymkent and prepare for the final event in Austria. Batkhuyag Munguntuul returns to the series for her third event. Having shared first in Monaco, she might have an outside chance to qualify in the case of an outstanding performance. Finally, Salome Melia and Polina Shuvalova will make their debut in the 2024-205 season, replacing Lela Javakhishvili and Kateryna Lagno, who have withdrawn from the event. With her ambitious and uncompromising playing style, Shuvalova was one of the most entertaining players of the previous cycle.. Venue The tournament will take place at the Amanora The Fern Hotel. Located in Amanora Park, the venue is reasonably close to important landmarks and business centres. Its central location makes it suitable for both business and leisure travellers, featuring meeting and banquet facilities that accommodate up to 600 people. Schedule and Round 1 Pairings The first round is scheduled for April 14th at 3:00 PM local time. Munguntuul Batkhuyag – Salome Melia Zhu Jiner – Harika Dronavalli Alina Kashlinskaya – Polina Shuvalova Nurgyul Salimova – Divya DeshmukhVaishali Rameshbabu – Humpy Koneru You can follow the games live with expert commentary and read daily reports on womengrandprix.fide.com/ along with exciting videos and photos of the action.
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.