Ju Wenjun Clinches Fifth Consecutive Women’s World Chess Championship Title
Ju Wenjun Crowned Champion: A Historic Fifth Title at Women’s World Chess Championship
In a thrilling conclusion to the Women’s World Chess Championship held in Chongqing, China, grandmaster Ju Wenjun has secured her fifth consecutive title, defeating compatriot Tan Zhongyi with a decisive score of 6.5-2.5. This victory not only solidifies Ju’s dominance in the chess world but also places her among an elite group of only four women in history to achieve five world championship titles, joining legends Vera Menchik, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Maia Chiburdanidze.
At 34 years old, Ju has been a formidable force in women’s chess since she first claimed the title in 2018 by defeating Tan. Over the years, she has successfully defended her title multiple times, showcasing her skill and resilience. This latest championship marks her eighth year reigning as the world champion, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the game.
The final match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Ju initially struggling but ultimately finding her rhythm. “In this match, initially the beginning wasn’t very smooth for me, but … I caught up on the score, I was playing more and more in the zone,” Ju reflected after her victory, highlighting her ability to adapt under pressure.
Despite the final score appearing one-sided, Tan, currently ranked third in the world, put up a strong fight throughout the match. She acknowledged her opponent’s prowess, stating, “I think, in this championship match, I exposed some of my weaknesses, and afterward in my training, I will continue to try to fix them if I want to continue in this professional chess player journey.”
The rivalry between Ju and Tan has been intense, with Tan previously defeating Ju in the quarterfinals of the 2017 championship. However, Ju’s triumph in the 2018 final and now again in 2024 has established her as the reigning queen of chess.
For her remarkable achievement, Ju will take home a prize of 300,000 euros (approximately $341,000), while Tan will receive 200,000 euros (around $227,000) for her second-place finish. As the chess community celebrates Ju’s historic win, all eyes will be on her future endeavors as she continues to inspire a new generation of chess players around the globe.