Key Storylines Unfolding at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship in Shanghai

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship in Shanghai is heating up with GM Tan Zhongyi taking the lead over four-time defending champion GM Ju Wenjun after two rounds. Tan, who previously won the championship in 2017 before losing her title to Ju, capitalized on Ju’s time trouble in an intense rook-and-pawns endgame to secure a 1½–½ lead.

As the competition continues, WGM Sabina Foisor will be providing detailed annotations for every game on Chess Life Online, offering insights into the strategic and psychological battles unfolding between these two formidable opponents. Foisor’s analysis of the first two games has revealed three key storylines to watch:

1. Breaking Conventional Wisdom: Tan’s unconventional decisions in game 1, such as playing both …e7-e6 and …g7-g6 in a Sicilian, showcased her ability to make practical choices that defied traditional principles. Her evaluation of positions and willingness to take risks proved crucial in neutralizing Ju’s strategies.

2. Activity Over Material: The importance of active rooks in endgames was highlighted in game 2, where both players had opportunities to sacrifice material for improved piece placement. Understanding when to prioritize activity over material gains is a key aspect of high-level chess.

3. The Battle off the Board: With a long history of competition dating back to their early careers, Ju and Tan’s psychological dynamics are coming into play during the championship. Past encounters and personal rivalries add an extra layer of complexity to their strategic decisions and evaluations on the board.

As the match progresses, fans can expect more intense battles and strategic maneuvers between these two elite players. Game 3 is set to begin on Sunday, April 6, at 3:00 a.m. EDT, with Foisor’s annotations providing valuable insights into the unfolding drama. Stay tuned to Chess Life Online for more coverage of this thrilling championship showdown.