Ju Wenjun Strikes Back in Game 3 of FIDE WWC
World Champion Ju Wenjun has equalized the score in the FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025 with a strong win in Game 3. After her heartbreaking blunder in Game 2, she returned with style, showing class and precision in an intense 87-move battle that lasted over five hours.
Her opponent, Tan Zhongyi, made a crucial mistake on move 60. Ju immediately seized the opportunity and demonstrated how to win using the famous endgame principle of “two weaknesses.” It was a powerful comeback.
A Star-Studded Start
Before the game began, the playing hall welcomed four Women’s World Champions — including Ju Wenjun, Tan Zhongyi, Zhu Chen, and Xu Yuhua. Zhu and Xu, who are also high-ranking chess officials, made the ceremonial first moves on the board.
A Rare Opening Choice
The game started with a repeat of the Sicilian Defense, just like Game 1. But Ju surprised everyone with the rare 3.c4 — known as the Kramnik Variation. This unusual sideline has only been seen a few times at the top level, including during the Carlsen-Caruana match.
Though this line usually favors Black, both players soon left known theory and entered new territory. They began using significant time on the clock, showing this was deep, uncharted chess.
Equal, Yet Fighting
As the game developed, both sides had isolated pawns — White on c3, Black on d5. Ju, playing with White, was again in time trouble, but she kept pressing for chances while being careful not to take big risks.
Even though Black managed to simplify with trades, the position remained rich in tactics. This match has already proven that even “equal” positions are full of fight — just as we saw in Ju’s loss in Game 2.
The Turning Point
Ju had more active pieces and a strong bishop pair, while Tan had to defend a more passive setup.
On move 37, Ju captured the d5 pawn. Tan had just one correct move to stay in the game — 37…Ne3, which she found.
But Ju was ready, responding instantly with 38.h4, a top engine move. This deep preparation gave Ju the edge. Slowly but surely, she pushed Tan into a tough position.
A Costly Blunder on Move 60
Then came the big mistake — 60…Bc6? This allowed Ju to activate her king and press forward. If Black had played 60…Re2!, she might have held a draw. But instead, Ju advanced with precision.
She kept her rook and c-pawn active, while Tan’s position fell apart. The f7-pawn became a major weakness, and Ju’s king marched into the attack. Despite being low on time, Ju navigated the complications like a true champion.
Endgame Excellence
Even in time pressure, Ju stayed calm. She is, after all, the reigning Women’s World Blitz Champion. After 73.f3, she knew she was winning. Her control in the endgame was a masterclass.
This game, and the one before it, both featured endgames where the players kept pushing and found ways to win from nearly equal positions. It’s a reminder that chess is full of possibilities — and not always black and white.
What’s Next?
The score is now tied at 1.5–1.5, with two decisive results in just three games. This match is heating up! Game 4 will be played on Monday, April 7, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Tan Zhongyi playing White.
Game 3 Summary
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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: Sicilian Defense
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Length: 87 moves
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Current Score: 1.5–1.5
Stay tuned on FIDE’s social media, watch live commentary on YouTube, and visit the official match website for updates.
About the Championship
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship match is a 12-game contest between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. The first player to reach 6.5 points will be crowned the new champion.
Time control:
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90 minutes for the first 40 moves
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30 minutes added after move 40
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30-second increment per move from the start
If the score is tied at 6–6, a tiebreak with rapid and blitz games will decide the winner.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
