GM Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious in the 2026 Cairns Cup, claiming her second title in this competition following her 2024 triumph. The runner-up, 16-year-old Alice Lee, finished a half-point behind the champion and earned her first GM norm.
One of the strongest women’s super-tournaments in the world, the Cairns Cup returned in 2026 for its sixth edition. This elite tournament featured ten of the best female chess players from around the world competing for a $250,000 prize fund, the largest in the event’s history. The Cairns Cup shares its format with other prestigious events like the illustrious Sinquefield Cup: a ten-player, nine-round, round-robin format of classical chess. It also shares the venue, taking place at the renovated Saint Louis Chess Club located in the historic Central West End neighborhood.
The event turned into an exciting race between Tan Zhongyi and Lee, who both started exceptionally strongly, scoring two consecutive victories each. Round 4 separated the leaders as Tan beat Vaishali Rameshbabu, while Lee lost to Stavroula Tsolakidou.
Tan consolidated her lead in Rounds 7 and 8, defeating Bibisara Assaubayeva and Divya Deshmukh. Despite Lee’s best effort – she responded with two victories and one draw in Rounds 6-8 – the Chinese GM headed into the final round on 6.5/8, a full point ahead of her main rival.
Tan also suffered a defeat at the hands of Tsolakidou (who defeated both the champion and the runner-up), but this loss came only after Lee and Carissa Yip split the point in their game. With these results, Tan deservedly claimed the 2026 Cairns Cup crown. Both Tan Zhongyi and Alice Lee substantially increased their ratings and earned valuable Women’s Circuit 2026–2027 points.
Carissa Yip and Bibisara Assaubayeva shared third place, scoring 5/9 each.
Cairns Cup 2026 Final Standings
Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club
Official website: https://saintlouischessclub.org/event/2026-cairns-cup/