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Ju Wenjun Defeats Hou Yifan to Win Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2025
Reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun has done it again! She defeated the world’s top-rated female player, Hou Yifan, with a final score of 11.5-9.5 to win the 2025 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. This is Ju’s second consecutive title in this prestigious online event.
A Match of Momentum Swings
The all-Chinese final was expected to be a fierce battle. Instead, Ju showed her strength right from the start.
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In the 5+1 (five-minute games), Ju dominated with a score of 4.5-2.5.
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In the 3+1 (three-minute games), Hou fought back strongly, tying the segment 3.5-3.5.
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In the 1+1 (bullet games), Ju held her ground, again tying 3.5-3.5, and sealing overall victory.
Hou had her chances, even winning the first bullet game. But time trouble and tactical mistakes cost her dearly.
Highlights from the Match
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Strategic Brilliance: In the very first game, Ju squeezed out a win in a slow, positional battle. Commentators praised her for being “superior in a strategic game.”
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Hou’s Struggles with Time: Several of Hou’s losses came in winning or equal positions. She lost one game on time despite holding equality.
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Tactical Fireworks: The 13th game was a wild tactical battle. Both players blundered, but Hou eventually won, showing her fighting spirit.
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Bullet Drama: Hou came close in the bullet segment, but Ju’s calm defense and smart strategy ended her hopes.
Final Scores
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5+1: Ju 4.5 – 2.5 Hou
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3+1: Ju 3.5 – 3.5 Hou
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1+1: Ju 3.5 – 3.5 Hou
Overall: Ju 11.5 – 9.5 Hou
Champion’s Words
After the match, Ju shared that her favorite format is the 5+1, where she feels she can “show good chess.” She added that she doesn’t prepare too much specifically but tries to “keep energy and stay fresh.”
Prize Money
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Ju Wenjun: $11,381
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Hou Yifan: $3,619
The total prize fund for the event was $75,000.
About the Event
The 2025 Women’s Speed Chess Championship was held from August 4–22 on Chess.com. It featured 16 of the world’s best women players in a knockout format with three time controls: 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1. The live commentary was hosted by GM Judit Polgar and IM Jovanka Houska.
Ju Wenjun’s victory shows why she remains one of the greatest champions in women’s chess history. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and punish mistakes makes her an unstoppable force in fast time controls.
Photos: Chess.com
Source: CHESS.com
