Chongqing Hosts Second Half of 2025 Women’s World Chess Championship
Chongqing Hosts Second Half of FIDE WWC 2025, China. The match continues between reigning champion Ju Wenjun and challenger Tan Zhongyi.
The second half of the match was officially launched with a press conference at the elegant Jinke Grand Hotel, the venue for the rest of the games.
A Scenic Shift from Shanghai
The players and their teams arrived in Chongqing after a long journey from Shanghai. It included a 2.5-hour flight and a peaceful bus ride through the mountains.
Although Tan Zhongyi is from Chongqing, she mentioned during the Game 6 press conference that the match venue is still far from her actual home.
What stood out most? The warmth and hospitality of the locals. The organizing team in Chongqing made sure everything was smooth for the arriving players and staff, showing excellent planning and professionalism.
Press Conference Highlights
Several important officials attended the press conference, including:
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Dana Reizniece – Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board
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Xu Yuhua – Secretary General of the Chinese Chess Association
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Du Xueyong – Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau
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Wu Hui – Member of the Chongqing Fuling District Committee
Dana Reizniece thanked both the Shanghai and Chongqing organizers for their dedication. She praised their efforts in creating a top-class experience for players, media, and fans.
Celebrating Women in Chess
Dana Reizniece also highlighted the importance of women in chess history. From Vera Menchik in 1927 to today’s stars like Ju Wenjun, only 17 women have held the World Champion title.
China has played a major role in this journey. The match between Tan Zhongyi and Ju Wenjun is not just a championship — it’s a celebration of excellence and national pride.
FIDE continues to grow women’s chess through initiatives like:
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The Women’s Grand Prix
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More tournaments for girls and women
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Support for chess moms
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Global opportunities for female players
Match Schedule and Trophy Reveal
Mr. Du Xueyong shared the schedule for the second half of the match. There are 6 more games, unless a player reaches 6.5 points earlier. If the score is 6-6 after 12 games, a tiebreak will be held.
A highlight of the day was the reveal of the championship trophy – a stunning Phoenix Coronet made with traditional Chinese glass-making techniques.
At the center is a pink peony, known as the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture, symbolizing grace, beauty, and prosperity.
The creation of the trophy mirrors a chess champion’s journey — full of passion, effort, and craftsmanship.
Who Will Be Champion?
Will Ju Wenjun defend her crown? Or will Tan Zhongyi take it back?
Game 7 begins on April 13, 2025, at 15:00 local time.
Stay updated by following FIDE’s social media, watching live commentary on YouTube, or visiting the official website.
Match Format at a Glance
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12 classical games
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First to 6.5 points wins
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Time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest, with 30-second increments from move 1
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If tied 6-6, tiebreaks will decide the winner
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
