Ju Wenjun One Step Away from Title After Fourth Win in a Row
Ju Wenjun One Step, Game 8 of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship, Tan Zhongyi made a bold decision. She changed her opening strategy, hoping to surprise her opponent and score a win. Instead of her usual English Opening, Tan started with 1.e4—called “the best by test” by Bobby Fischer.
She needed a win. But Ju Wenjun had other plans.
Ju Wenjun: Calm, Confident, and In Control
Before this game, Ju had already won three in a row. She led the match 5–3 and needed just 1.5 more points to keep her world title. She entered Game 8 full of focus and calm energy.
In a pre-match interview, Ju said her biggest strength is concentration. She stays in her seat, keeps her cool, and plays with laser focus. This mindset has pushed her to the edge of winning her fourth consecutive world title.
Tan’s Desperate Fight
Tan, now under immense pressure, had no choice but to take risks. She sacrificed a pawn early, hoping to gain the upper hand. But Ju punished the mistake with precision. She stayed calm and slowly took control of the game.
Tan’s play showed both determination and desperation. The risk didn’t pay off.
How the Game Played Out
The opening started with a Vienna, later turning into a Bishop’s Opening hybrid. Ju, playing as Black, found her rhythm quickly.
She gained the advantage after Tan made a critical mistake with the move 25.Qd4?, instead of the better 25.exf5.
Ju didn’t miss her chance. She struck with the brilliant 28…e3!, sacrificing a pawn to activate her queen. Tan couldn’t recover. Ju’s passed c-pawn became a winning weapon.
Even when Tan fought back, Ju stayed cool and made all the right moves. On move 45, Ju found the winning idea: 45…Bxf3, exchanging her bishop for White’s pawns. The endgame was clear: Ju had total control.
Match Situation and What’s Next
The match score is now 6–2 in Ju Wenjun’s favor. She only needs half a point to win the title. A draw in Game 9 will be enough.
Will Game 9 be the final chapter? Or will Tan Zhongyi make a stunning comeback?
We’ll find out on Wednesday, April 16, when Game 9 begins at 15:00 local time. This time, Ju Wenjun will play with the White pieces.
Quick Facts – Game 8
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White: Tan Zhongyi
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Black: Ju Wenjun
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Result: 0-1
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Opening: Vienna
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Moves Played: 53
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Match Score: Ju Wenjun leads 6–2
Stay tuned to FIDE’s official channels and YouTube for live coverage and updates.
Official Website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com
About the Championship
The FIDE Women’s World Championship is a 12-game match. The first to 6.5 points wins the title.
Time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, 30 minutes added after that, and 30 seconds added per move from move 1.
If the match ends in a 6–6 tie, a tiebreak with rapid and blitz games will decide the winner.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
