“Lu Miaoyi Wins Chinese Women’s Championship 21 Years After Her Mother’s Victory”

21 years after her mother’s victory, WGM Lu Miaoyi has made history by clinching her first Chinese Women’s Championship title at just 14 years old. The young prodigy emerged victorious after a thrilling blitz playoff against WGM Ni Shiqun, with both players tied for first place with an impressive 9/11 score.

The Chinese Championships, held in Xinhua, Jiangsu, saw Lu follow in the footsteps of her mother, WGM Xu Yuanyuan, who won the title back in 2003. Lu’s path to victory was not an easy one, as she and Ni were the only players to remain undefeated throughout the tournament, with all tiebreaks unable to separate them.

In the open section, GM Wang Yue secured his third title after previous victories in 2005 and 2013. Wang, a seasoned player who became a grandmaster at the age of 17, showcased his skill and experience to claim the top spot in the competition.

The Chinese Championships, now in its 16th year in Xinhua, Jiangsu, have become a staple event in the chess community. The city has a rich chess history, being the birthplace of China’s biggest prodigy, Hou Yifan, who won the Chinese Women’s Championship at an even younger age than Lu.

Despite the absence of some of China’s top female players in this year’s competition, Lu’s victory is a significant achievement that highlights her potential in the world of chess. With her recent success securing her fourth IM norm in Reykjavik, Lu is on track to receive her GM title soon.

Both Lu and Wang’s victories have earned them a spot to represent China at the upcoming 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary. The Chinese Championships featured a total prize fund of 500,000 yuan ($69,000) and saw intense competition among the 12 players in each group.

As the chess world celebrates the triumphs of these young talents, all eyes are now on Lu as she continues to make her mark on the international chess scene.