Tan Zhongyi leads Women's World Chess Championship after Ju Wenjun's endgame collapse

NEW DELHI: GM Tan Zhongyi has taken a 1.5-0.5 lead in the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship after a dramatic win over reigning champion GM Ju Wenjun on Friday.

What appeared to be a likely draw turned into a nightmare for Ju, who faltered in a rook endgame after the time control. Tan capitalised on the error and secured victory in a marathon 62-move game lasting nearly five hours.

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The result puts pressure on Ju, who now has 10 games left to recover in the 12-game match.

The championship began on Thursday in Shanghai with a solid 39-move draw, as Tan, playing Black, chose the Sicilian Defense. Both players expressed satisfaction with the steady start.

◽️ Tan Zhongyi 🇨🇳 1 - 0 ◾️Ju Wenjun 🇨🇳
Game 2 | FIDE Women's World Championship Match

♟ Match score: ½ - 1½ (in favour of Tan)
↔️ Game length: 62 moves
📖 Opening: English Opening
⚙️ Variation: Four Knights Variation#JuTan #WomenInChess pic.twitter.com/ptf34BkgJs

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 4, 2025

“From the first game I think Tan is going to be a very tough opponent for Ju!” commented GM Judit Polgar , pointing to the challenger’s sharp preparation and composure.

Tan and Ju previously met for the world title in 2018, where five of the first six games were decisive after an opening draw — a sign that more fighting chess may be ahead.

Game 3, with Ju holding the white pieces, will be played on Sunday following Saturday's rest day.