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Ju Wenjun Wins With Record-Breaking Margin: Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2025
The 2025 Women’s Speed Chess Championship witnessed history! Five-time Women’s World Champion GM Ju Wenjun crushed IM Polina Shuvalova with a massive 17-5 scoreline in the semifinals.
This win broke Ju’s own record for the largest victory margin in the WSCC. She had earlier set the record in 2024 with a 10-point win against IM Anna Sargsyan. Now, Ju Wenjun is ready for an epic final battle against Women’s World No.1, GM Hou Yifan. Chess fans around the globe are waiting for this clash of titans.
A Dominant Performance
The match was a rematch of the 2024 finals between Ju and Shuvalova. But this time, Ju showed no mercy. She started with a 6.5-0.5 sweep in the 5+1 section. From there, Shuvalova never recovered. Ju dominated every time control and sealed a one-sided victory.
Final Scoreboard
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5+1: Ju 6.5 – 0.5 Shuvalova
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3+1: Ju 5.5 – 1.5 Shuvalova
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1+1: Ju 5 – 3 Shuvalova
The bullet games were the only stage where Shuvalova managed to fight back, but by then, it was too late.
Highlights from the Match
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In the first game, Ju displayed her trademark strategic style. Her precise maneuvering reminded fans why she is one of the best blitz players in the world.
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Shuvalova tried a puzzling pawn sacrifice in the second game, but Ju punished it immediately.
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The fans clearly supported Ju, with 76% of the audience vote in her favor.
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In the fifth game, Ju pulled off a brilliant rook maneuver, drawing comparisons to the legendary Anatoly Karpov.
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By the end of the 5+1 segment, the score stood at a brutal 6.5-0.5.
The 3+1 Segment
Shuvalova tried to switch gears with sharper play. But Ju was too strong. Her tactical shots in the third and later games completely shut down Shuvalova’s chances. Commentator GM Judit Polgar summed it up:
It is a horror day for Polina!
Shuvalova started making more mistakes, and Ju took full advantage.
The 1+1 Bullet Games
By the bullet round, Ju already had a 12-2 lead. Shuvalova finally won her first game of the day in this segment. But Ju immediately struck back with another clean win. Commentator IM Jovanka Houska praised Ju’s smooth style, saying:
It’s a very simple style of chess. I love the way she coordinates her pieces so beautifully!
Prize Money
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Ju Wenjun earned $7,091 from her win.
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Shuvalova took home $909.
The Grand Final
Ju Wenjun will now face GM Hou Yifan in the final.
📅 Date: Friday, August 22
🕗 Time: 8 a.m. ET / 14:00 CEST / 5:30 p.m. IST
This final promises to be one of the most exciting battles in women’s chess history.
How to Watch
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Games are also available on the Chess.com events page.
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Commentary team: GM Judit Polgar and IM Jovanka Houska.
About the Championship
The 2025 Women’s Speed Chess Championship is a Chess.com event held from August 4–22. It features 16 of the world’s strongest female players. They compete in a single-elimination bracket with games in three formats: 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1. The total prize fund is $75,000.
Photos: Chess.com
Source: CHESS.com
