Final Game of WWC – Ju Wenjun Crowned Champion for the Fifth Time
The final game of the FIDE WWC 2025 was filled with tension.
Tan Zhongyi came in with nothing to lose. Ju Wenjun, on the other hand, only needed a draw to win her fifth world title. The pressure was on.
Throughout the match, most games had clear winners—only two ended in draws. This made the final round even more exciting. Would Ju play safely for a draw, or would we see one more thrilling battle?
Although the final score suggests Ju dominated, the match was much closer than it looked.
Tan Zhongyi played hard in every game. She often had strong positions and never made things easy for Ju. In the last game, Tan tried to create imbalance and fight for a win. But Ju remained calm, focused, and precise. She played confidently and guided the game to the draw she needed.
The last game began with the Sicilian Rossolimo—similar to Game 6. This time, Ju chose a different move early on, changing the direction of the game. She gave up an isolated queen’s pawn temporarily but recovered it after some exchanges.
Here’s a key sequence from the game:
18.Rad1 e5 19.Bxd4 exd4 20.Qb4 a5 21.Qxd4 Qxd4 22.Rxd4
Ju was 30 minutes behind on the clock. Still, the position was balanced and clear. After a few more exchanges, the game entered a rook endgame. On move 38, the players repeated moves, ending the game in a draw.
While the final game was peaceful, the match as a whole was full of action. Every game was tense, and anything could happen at any moment.
Take Game 2, for example. It looked equal until Ju, playing Black, made a mistake under time pressure:
40…Ke8?? (The better move was 40…b4!)
Tan took advantage and won the game.
This pattern showed up again and again. Both players waited quietly and then struck the moment their opponent made a mistake.
In Game 6,
Tan overreached with 31.h4?. Ju responded with 31…g4, gaining control and winning with precision.
Almost every game in the match followed this pattern—tense, sharp, and filled with psychological warfare.
In the post-match interview, Ju and Tan both picked their favorite games: Ju chose Game 8, while Tan preferred Game 7. They appreciated the quality of play and the fight in those games.
This championship showed more than just skill. It showed heart, grit, and fighting spirit—qualities that define great champions.
With this final draw, Ju Wenjun makes history. She becomes a five-time Women’s World Chess Champion. No other Chinese player has achieved this.
Her journey is a story of consistent excellence, strong will, and a true champion’s mindset. Ju Wenjun’s legacy will inspire future generations of chess players around the world.
Game 9 Quick Facts:
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White: Ju Wenjun
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Black: Tan Zhongyi
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Result: Draw (½–½)
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Opening: Sicilian Rossolimo
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Game Length: 38 moves
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Final Match Score: Ju Wenjun 6.5 – Tan Zhongyi 2.5
Follow FIDE on social media, watch live commentary on YouTube, and visit the official website for full match details:
https://womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
