GM Tan Zhongyi has established a 1.5-0.5 lead in the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship after World Champion GM Ju Wenjun unexpectedly collapsed in what appeared to be a drawn rook endgame. The crucial Game 2 victory, which lasted 62 moves and nearly five hours, gives Tan significant momentum heading into the first rest day of the match.
With 10 games still remaining in the 12-game championship match, Ju Wenjun now faces mounting pressure to recover as she enters Game 3 with the white pieces on Sunday, April 6.
Critical Errors Near Time Control
What seemed destined for a peaceful draw took a dramatic turn when Ju made a series of uncharacteristic mistakes. The defending champion first erred with 38…Rf5, putting herself in a precarious position despite the endgame remaining objectively drawn.
The decisive moment came with 40…Ke8, the final move before the time control would have added 30 minutes to Ju’s clock. As noted by commentator Judit Polgar, “This is move 40—how typical it is that you make a serious mistake on move 40!”
Despite fighting on after the time control, Ju could not salvage the position against Tan’s precise technique, eventually conceding defeat after 62 moves.
Match Standings
After two games, Tan Zhongyi (2555) leads with 1.5 points, while defending champion Ju Wenjun (2561) has 0.5 points. Game 1 ended in a draw before Tan’s decisive victory in Game 2.
Looking Ahead
Following today’s rest day, Game 3 will begin on Sunday, April 6, at 3:00 a.m. ET / 09:00 CEST / 12:30 p.m. IST, with Ju having the advantage of the white pieces as she attempts to narrow the deficit.
About the Championship
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship, being held in Shanghai, features a €500,000 ($540,000) prize fund. Defending champion GM Ju Wenjun is facing challenger GM Tan Zhongyi in a 12-game classical match to determine the women’s world chess champion.
A comprehensive analysis of Game 2 and player reactions will be available in forthcoming coverage, as reported by chess commentators and analysts on site in Shanghai.