Challenger Tan Zhongyi strikes first at the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match, winning game two after Champion Ju Wenjun blunders in the endgame.
Following a closely contested 99% accuracy draw in the opening game, it was evident that both players were adopting a solid, risk-free approach. Game two appeared to be heading in a similar direction until a tricky endgame combined with time pressure led to a decisive mistake by the reigning champion – an opportunity Tan capitalized on to secure the full point.
Interestingly, in their 2018 match, it was Ju Wenjun who struck first blood by winning game two (also with the black pieces) after surprising Tan in the opening. Coincidentally, that second game also featured an English Opening, where Ju responded with 1…e5, and after 2.Nc3 Bb4, caught her opponent off guard. This time, Ju opted for 1…Nf6, and the game entered a well-trodden main line of the English Opening, frequently seen at the top level by players such as Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren. The English Opening has become a powerful weapon for White. As commentator Evgenij Miroshnichenko noted, “1.c4 is one of the starting moves to fight for an advantage.”
Tan was asked about this in the post-game press conference and admitted that her team debated about the opening choice. Ultimately, it was she who decided to repeat the opening, this time more confidently.
Despite both players entering a main line early on, it was Ju who began to consume significant time, spending over 10 minutes each on three consecutive moves (moves 10, 11, and 12). This gave Tan a comfortable 20-minute time advantage for much of the game. Eventually the opponents traded off into an equal rook and pawns endgame, and reached an interesting position where it seemed like Ju faltered:
The position remained equal, and a move like 31…Kf8 would have led to an inevitable draw. However, Ju played 31…c5 almost instantly. While the engine still evaluated the position as equal, it introduced unnecessary complications that demanded precision from Black. After Tan responded with 32.Kf3, Ju, down to 14 minutes, spent seven of them pondering her next move, clearly second-guessing her pawn push. Though still drawable, the position now required more effort from Black. Both sides had passed pawns, but White’s king was significantly more active. Calculating accurately under time pressure became crucial, and unfortunately for Ju, her decisive mistake came on move 40:
Black’s only correct continuation was 40…b4, sacrificing the pawn to allow her rook space. Instead, Ju played 40…Ke8?, and after 41.Ke4, White was winning. Black would lose the b-pawn without compensation. With material advantage, a centralized king, and a dominant passed d-pawn, Tan was in complete control. Despite a few minor inaccuracies, the challenger converted her advantage smoothly to secure the victory.
It was a painful loss for Ju Wenjun, but the upcoming rest day provides her a chance to recalibrate and mentally prepare for game three. In such high-pressure matches, having a strong support system is vital, and both players are accompanied by experienced teams.
Ju is supported by Grandmaster Ni Hua, her Shanghai chess teammate and second for nine years. The two began working together after the 2016 Chess Olympiad, where the Chinese Women’s team won gold (with both Ju and Tan on the roster!). Also on her team is Grandmaster Maxim Matlakov, winner of the 2017 European Individual Championship and an experienced second who has previously assisted none other than Peter Svidler.
Tan, on the other hand, is joined by Grandmaster Jeffery Xiong, who was part of her team during the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates. Also providing support is Jeffery’s father, Wayne Xiong, who, as a chess parent, has often emphasized the importance of enjoying the game beyond its competitive aspects, a perspective that can be instrumental in a high-stakes encounter like this.
The third game of the match will be played on Sunday, April 6t, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Ju Wenjun playing White.
FACT SHEET, Game 2, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025:
White: Tan Zhongyi
Black: Ju Wenjun
Result: 1–0
Opening: English Opening
Game length: 62 moves
Match score: ½ – 1½ (in favour of Tan Zhongyi)
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.