Ju Wenjun vs Tan Zhongyi Begins with a Balanced Game
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship has officially begun in Shanghai, China. Game 1 started at 3 PM local time, with Ju Wenjun playing White and Tan Zhongyi playing Black.
The opening of the game saw the Sicilian Defence, French Variation—a calmer line compared to the usual sharp Sicilian battles. After 39 moves and careful play from both sides, the game ended in a draw.
Familiar Rivals, New Roles
This match carries a special story. Ju and Tan faced each other in 2018, when Tan was the reigning champion and Ju was the challenger. Ju won the title back then and has held it ever since. Now, the roles are reversed. Ju is defending her title, while Tan returns as the challenger.
Confident Mindsets
Before the match, media day included interviews, press conferences, and the opening ceremony. Tan spoke with confidence in her FIDE interview. She admitted she felt lucky in 2018, but this time, she earned her spot by winning the Candidates Tournament. With just six rating points between them, mental strength may be the key factor in this close contest.
At the start of the game, their body language said a lot. Tan looked calm, sipping coffee and scanning the room. Ju was fully focused, eyes locked on the board.
The Game Begins
The ceremonial first move was made by top officials from China’s sports organizations. Then, at exactly 3 PM, the chief arbiter started the clock. The match had officially begun.
Ju surprised with 5.Bd3, a rare move at the top level. Tan responded quickly, showing she was still in preparation. But after Ju played 9.Bg5, Tan paused for over five minutes—likely the moment she left her preparation.
Into the Midgame
Both players started to slow down as they entered unknown territory. Ju looked more comfortable, with active pieces and a better position. Tan’s bishop on c8 remained stuck, and Ju took her time planning her next moves.
By move 14, Ju spent nearly 20 minutes deciding on a central break. The game started drifting toward a draw, but not without deep, strategic ideas.
A Key Decision
On move 18, Ju had a chance to grab a pawn with 18.cxd5. But she skipped it, avoiding a tricky pin with 18…Ba6. Instead, she played 18.Qe3, targeting Tan’s weak h6-pawn. Tan responded perfectly with 18…Qg5. After queens were exchanged, the position became balanced with no clear edge for either player.
The rest of the game stayed even, and after 39 moves, the players agreed to a draw.
What’s Next?
Although the game ended in a draw, it gave us a taste of the tension and depth we can expect in the coming games. Both players are cautious but ready for a fight. Will they take more risks in the next rounds? Or will we see a strategic battle leading to tiebreaks?
The second game will be played on Friday, April 4, at 3 PM local time. This time, Tan Zhongyi will have the White pieces.
Game 1 Summary
White: Ju Wenjun
Black: Tan Zhongyi
Result: ½-½
Opening: Sicilian Defence, French Variation
Game Length: 39 moves
Match Score: ½–½
👉 Stay updated via FIDE’s social media, watch live coverage on YouTube, and visit the official match website for full details.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
