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FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025 – Game 7: Ju Wenjun’s Comeback with Counterattacking Brilliance

In Round 7 of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship 2025, Ju Wenjun delivered a clutch win with the White pieces against Tan Zhongyi. Opting for the Rossolimo Sicilian, Ju outmaneuvered her opponent with bold piece activity, a well-timed pawn sacrifice, and textbook endgame technique, leveling the match once again.

Opening: Rossolimo Sicilian – Flexible but Dangerous

  • 3. Bb5 and 5. d4 – Ju opts for the Rossolimo, blending pressure and flexibility.
  • 7...bxc6 – Tan captures toward the center, maintaining a solid structure.
  • 12. c5 and 14. Qh5 – Ju locks the center and begins aggressive maneuvering on the kingside.

Middlegame: Activity Over Material

  • 17. Bb2 and 18. Qf3 – Ju sacrifices a pawn for lasting pressure and activity.
  • 22. Qc3 and 23. Nc5 – White’s coordination builds; Tan’s bishop pair struggles to counter.
  • 25. Rac1 Rb5 – Tan hesitates; Ju takes over the initiative in a complex structure.

Endgame: Dominance by Technique

  • 32. Kf2 and 34. Ne4 – Ju centralizes her forces to prepare the final assault.
  • 36. Bc5! – A positional crusher, locking Tan’s bishop and rook out of the game.
  • 47. b4 – The final touch; Tan resigns with no counterplay left.

Play through the Game

Watch the Full Analysis

For more high-stakes action, revisit Ju Wenjun’s brilliant win with Black in Game 6: Ju Wenjun vs Tan Zhongyi – Game 6 Recap.