Ju Wenjun and Kateryna Lagno to Face Off in Semifinals of 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship

Reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun and three-time Women’s World Blitz Champion Kateryna Lagno are set to face off in the Semifinals of the 2024 Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Ju defeated IM Alice Lee with a score of 9.5-5.5, while Lagno eliminated GM Valentina Gunina with a score of 9-6.

The Semifinals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 4, with GM Vaishali Rameshbabu facing off against IM Polina Shuvalova in the first match at 8 a.m. ET, followed by Ju vs. Lagno at 12 p.m. ET.

In the Quarterfinals, Ju outclassed her opponent Alice Lee, defying predictions and securing a victory in the 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1 time controls. Meanwhile, Lagno dominated her opponent Valentina Gunina in the Quarterfinals, showcasing her strength in the bullet portion of the match.

The Julius Baer Women’s Speed Chess Championship features some of the strongest female chess players in the world competing for a $75,000 prize fund. The event follows a single-elimination bracket format with matches played at 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1 time controls. The winner of the match between Ju and Lagno will move on to the Final, where they will have a shot at claiming the championship title.