In the final game of the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match, tension could be felt in the playing hall. Tan Zhongyi entered the game with nothing to lose, while Ju Wenjun carried the pressure of needing only half a point to secure her fifth world title. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Draws have been a rarity throughout the match, with six out of the eight previous games producing decisive results. That made the outlook for today’s game particularly intriguing. Would Ju play solidly to secure the draw she needed, or would we witness another fighting battle?
Draws have been a rarity throughout the match, with six out of the eight previous games producing decisive results. That made the outlook for today’s game particularly intriguing. Would Ju play solidly to secure the draw she needed, or would we witness another fighting battle?
Though the score may suggest a dominant performance from Ju Wenjun, the reality is far more nuanced. Tan Zhongyi fought hard throughout the match, often holding promising positions, and never allowing Ju an easy ride. Despite being down, she entered the final game hoping to create imbalance and generate winning chances. But Ju, calm and focused, played with clarity and precision, guiding the game to the draw she needed.
The final game opened with the Sicilian Rossolimo—revisiting the line from Game 6 where Tan, with the black pieces, obtained a slight edge. This time, Ju deviated with 5.Re1 instead of 5.d4, and the players soon found themselves navigating a fresh and dynamic position. White accepted an isolated queen’s pawn, which Ju temporarily sacrificed before regaining it after a series of trades.
The final game opened with the Sicilian Rossolimo—revisiting the line from Game 6 where Tan, with the black pieces, obtained a slight edge. This time, Ju deviated with 5.Re1 instead of 5.d4, and the players soon found themselves navigating a fresh and dynamic position. White accepted an isolated queen’s pawn, which Ju temporarily sacrificed before regaining it after a series of trades.
18.Rad1 e5 19. Bxd4 exd4 20. Qb4 a5 21. Qxd4 Qxd4 22. Rxd4
Although Ju was behind on the clock by 30 minutes, the evaluation bar was firmly rooted in 0.0, with a simple and open position. Following further exchanges, the game transitioned into a rook endgame, and by move 38, repetition confirmed the result: a draw.
Despite the absence of fireworks in the final game, the match as a whole was anything but dull. The final score might mislead the casual observer into thinking Ju Wenjun steamrolled her way to victory, but the reality was more complex. Every game was filled with tension, and no outcome was certain until the final moments.
Take, for instance, Game 2, which appeared dead equal until a sharp collapse under time pressure:
Although Ju was behind on the clock by 30 minutes, the evaluation bar was firmly rooted in 0.0, with a simple and open position. Following further exchanges, the game transitioned into a rook endgame, and by move 38, repetition confirmed the result: a draw.
Despite the absence of fireworks in the final game, the match as a whole was anything but dull. The final score might mislead the casual observer into thinking Ju Wenjun steamrolled her way to victory, but the reality was more complex. Every game was filled with tension, and no outcome was certain until the final moments.
Take, for instance, Game 2, which appeared dead equal until a sharp collapse under time pressure:
40…Ke8?? (instead of 40…b4!)
Ju Wenjun, playing Black, faltered at the critical moment, allowing Tan Zhongyi to seize her opportunity and score her first win.
This pattern repeated in every single game – both players lay in wait like pythons beneath the sand, ready to strike the moment their opponent slipped.
Or Game 6, where Tan, pushing too ambitiously, lost the thread:
Ju Wenjun, playing Black, faltered at the critical moment, allowing Tan Zhongyi to seize her opportunity and score her first win.
This pattern repeated in every single game – both players lay in wait like pythons beneath the sand, ready to strike the moment their opponent slipped.
Or Game 6, where Tan, pushing too ambitiously, lost the thread:
Instead of maintaining balance with quiet play, Tan pushed 31.h4? a move that allowed Ju to break through with 31…g4. The momentum shifted entirely, and Ju converted her advantage with surgical precision.
These examples are not isolated. Nearly every game in the match followed this pattern of high tension, mutual pressure, and a readiness to capitalize on the opponent’s mistakes. In the final post-game press conference, Ju and Tan expressed that their favorite games were games 8 and 7 respectively because of the quality of play.
These examples are not isolated. Nearly every game in the match followed this pattern of high tension, mutual pressure, and a readiness to capitalize on the opponent’s mistakes. In the final post-game press conference, Ju and Tan expressed that their favorite games were games 8 and 7 respectively because of the quality of play.
The Women’s World Championship Match has shown us an admirable display of not only skill – but immense fighting spirit from both sides. And fighting spirit is, after all, a key ingredient for any great chess player.
With this draw, Ju Wenjun secures her place in history. She is now a five-time Women’s World Champion—a new record among Chinese players. Her legacy, built on years of consistent excellence and determination, will inspire generations to come.
With this draw, Ju Wenjun secures her place in history. She is now a five-time Women’s World Champion—a new record among Chinese players. Her legacy, built on years of consistent excellence and determination, will inspire generations to come.
FACT SHEET, Game 9, FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025:
White: Ju Wenjun
Black: Tan Zhongyi
Result: ½
Opening: Sicilian Rossolimo
Game length: 38 moves
Match score: 6.5-2 (in favour of Ju Wenjun)
Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information.
Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Anna Shtourman
Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/
White: Ju Wenjun
Black: Tan Zhongyi
Result: ½
Opening: Sicilian Rossolimo
Game length: 38 moves
Match score: 6.5-2 (in favour of Ju Wenjun)
Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information.
Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Anna Shtourman
Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/
