FIDE Women's World Championship 2025: Tan Zhongyi Shines Against Ju Wenjun in a Brilliant Strategic Win

Published on: April 5, 2025

Round 2 of the FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025 brought fans a high-quality clash between Tan Zhongyi and Ju Wenjun. Opening with the English, Tan steered the game into dynamic territory early and demonstrated complete control across all phases of the game. With deep calculation, timely pawn breaks, and a beautifully played rook endgame, she took a full point to even the match.

Opening: The English – Flexible & Fierce

Tan Zhongyi opened with 1. c4, heading into an English setup. Ju replied with a symmetrical pawn structure, but soon allowed Tan to grab space and initiative with early development and center pressure.

• 4. g3 – Preparing a fianchetto and long-term pressure on the center.
• 9. Nxd5 Qxd5 10. Bd2 – Tan keeps the tension while smoothly developing.
• 13. e3 Nb5 14. a4 Nxc3 – A temporary imbalance that favors White’s plans on the queenside.

Middlegame: Pressure on Both Flanks

Tan transitioned into the middlegame with a clear edge in space and coordination. Her control of the center and active rook lifts began to dictate the direction of the game.

• 21. axb6 axb6 – Clarifying the queenside to activate rooks.
• 23. Qa4 Rfc8 24. Rb1 – Doubling pressure on the b-file, limiting Black’s counterplay.
• 27. exd4 Bxg2 28. Kxg2 b5 – White regains material while keeping the initiative.

Endgame: Clean Technique to the Finish

In a rook and pawn endgame, Tan played with impeccable accuracy. Her kingside pawn majority and central control proved decisive.

• 37. Kd2 Rf3 38. Ke2 Rf5 – Smooth king activation and rook coordination.
• 43. d5 Ra6 44. Ke5 f6+ – White’s central pawns began rolling.
• 52. Rh7 h3 53. Kd6 – Final breakthrough sequence, showing perfect timing.

Play through the Game

Watch the Full Analysis by Agdamator

Key Takeaways from Tan Zhongyi’s Victory

• Central Domination: Tan controlled the board with d4 and e3 breakouts, limiting Ju’s mobility.
• Rook Activity: Seamless transitions to active files kept Black permanently on the back foot.
• Endgame Maturity: Tan showcased world-class rook endgame instincts.
• Consistent Pressure: She never let up, converting small advantages into a full point.

Tan Zhongyi's brilliant handling of the game reminded fans why she’s a former World Champion. For another game full of finesse and deep strategy, check out Giri vs. Praggnanandhaa – Prague Chess Festival 2025.