Game 4 of FIDE WWC: Tan Zhongyi Misses Her Chance to Lead

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Game 4 of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship was full of drama and excitement. It ended in a draw—but it was far from a quiet one.

With two of the first three games ending decisively, both players came in with momentum. Would they play it safe, or fight for the lead? The answer came quickly—this was going to be a battle.

🎯 A Sharp Start

The ceremonial first move was made by Song Hui, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and Mohd Al-Mudahka, 1st Vice-President of the Arab Chess Federation.

Tan Zhongyi opened with 1.c4, repeating her Game 2 strategy. But Ju Wenjun surprised her with 1…e6 and an aggressive 2…Bb4. Tan responded with 3.Qb3, bringing her queen out early. Though known for her fast play, Tan seemed briefly caught off guard.

By move 6, they reached an unfamiliar position never seen at the top level—a completely fresh fight.

🔥 Trading Pawns, Taking Risks

The battle really heated up when Ju sacrificed a pawn for activity. Tan declined and instead offered her own pawn later with 18.Bf4, causing Ju to spend 20 minutes thinking.

After 21.Qb3, Ju was short on time and in a tough spot. Tan had outplayed her and seemed close to scoring a third straight win.

But then, Tan missed a key move.

🧠 A Miscalculation Turns the Game

Instead of playing 24.Qxb6, which would have given her strong winning chances, Tan chose 24.Bd6. She later admitted it was a miscalculation.

Ju responded perfectly with 24…Ra5! Suddenly, Tan’s advantage started slipping away. On move 30, an interesting puzzle moment arose:

Ju could’ve played 30…d4, a tricky pawn sacrifice. If White took with 31.Rxd4, she’d be in big trouble. (Puzzle solution below!)

Game 4 of FIDE WWC

Ju instead chose 30…Bf5, going for a bishop trade. A few moves later, she misjudged a queen trade, and Tan regained the edge.

♟️ Fast Play, Small Mistakes

Tan pushed her b-pawn too soon, forgetting an endgame rule—bring your king in first. This gave Ju the chance to push her d-pawn and equalize. The strong b-pawn that once promised victory was no longer dangerous.

Ju again found herself in time trouble. With less than a minute left, she held strong. Tan, with over 20 minutes, rushed again and missed key moves.

Game 4 of FIDE WWC

The game ended in a drawn rook and pawn endgame after 81 moves.

🤝 A Battle of Champions

Both players had chances. Tan was disappointed with her play, but Ju showed why she’s the reigning World Champion, staying calm and finding resources under pressure.

The match is now tied 2-2. The players will rest tomorrow before resuming the fight for the world title.

🧩 Puzzle Solution

Game 4 of FIDE WWC

The move 30…d4 opens the d5-square for Black. If 31.Rxd4, then 31…Nd5! forks White’s queen and bishop. After 32.Bxd5 Qb1+ 33.Kg2 Bxd5+ 34.Rxd5, Black plays 34…Qe4+! and wins the rook.

Game 4 Quick Facts:

Game 4 of FIDE WWC

  • White: Tan Zhongyi

  • Black: Ju Wenjun

  • Result: ½-½

  • Opening: English

  • Moves: 81

  • Match Score: 2-2

Stay updated by following FIDE’s social media, tuning into live commentary on YouTube, and visiting the official match site at womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com

About the Match

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship is a 12-game match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. The first player to score 6.5 points wins.

  • Time Control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 more minutes for the rest of the game, with 30-second increments starting from move 1.

  • If the match ends 6-6, a rapid and blitz tiebreak will decide the winner.

Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS

 

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