Ju Wenjun defeated challenger! Extends lead before the break in Chongqing

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship is heating up!

In Game 6, reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun defeated challenger Tan Zhongyi with the black pieces. This win gives Ju a strong 4–2 lead as the match heads into the second half—and to Tan’s hometown of Chongqing.

It was a crucial moment before the mid-match break. While both players said before the game that every game is equally important, this one clearly had extra weight. Two rest days follow, giving the players time to reflect and prepare.

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Opening Struggles for Tan

The game began with the English Opening, and Tan chose a double fianchetto setup—a structure where both bishops are developed to the sides of the board. But she made an early mistake with 12.Ne5, instead of the stronger Na3–c4 idea played in top-level games.

Ju quickly equalized and grabbed the initiative, targeting weak spots in Tan’s setup—especially the misplaced knight on a3. In chess, there’s a classic phrase:

“Knights on the rim are dim.”

This knight stayed out of play far too long, hurting Tan’s position.

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Ju’s Bold Play on the Kingside

Ju played aggressively, launching 21…g5!—a powerful move to take space on the kingside. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it paid off. Tan responded with 22.Ne1, a solid defense. But then came a turning point.

Ju played 22…Bf6?, missing the chance to push g4 or c4—moves that would’ve kept her advantage. This let Tan trade pieces and balance the position.

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A Turning Point in the Endgame

Despite the simplification, Ju remained patient. When Tan pushed 31.h4?, Ju responded with 31…g4!, taking control again. Tan tried counterplay with 32.Qb7+, but Ju found the best reply: 32…Qd7!. This forced a queen trade and led to a winning endgame for Ju.

She brought her king to the center and converted the advantage with calm precision. It was a masterclass in endgame technique, proving her confidence and skill.

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What’s Next?

Ju now leads the match 4–2 and needs just 2.5 more points from the remaining six games to keep her title. Tan returns home to Chongqing needing a comeback.

When asked about the pressure, Tan said, “It will be tough, but I’m a professional player and I know how to deal with pressure.”

Game 7 continues on April 13th at 15:00 local time.

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Puzzle Highlight 🧠

After 32…Kg6?, White can strike with 33.h5!+. This leads to a flurry of tactics:

• 33…Nxh5 34.Nh4+ Kg5 35.Qf7! Qf6 36.Qd5
  White gains a huge advantage with Black’s king exposed.

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Quick Recap – Game 6

• White: Tan Zhongyi

• Black: Ju Wenjun

• Result: 0–1

• Opening: English

• Match Score: 4–2 for Ju Wenjun

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About the Match

• Format: 12 games

• First to 6.5 points wins

• Time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game + 30 seconds per move from move 1

• If tied 6–6, rapid/blitz tiebreaks will decide the winner(Ju Wenjun defeated challenger)

Follow live coverage and updates at: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com