Ju Wenjun Aims for Fifth Women’s World Chess Championship Title Against Tan Zhongyi

Defending Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun is gearing up to make history as she takes on challenger and former champion GM Tan Zhongyi in the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship in Shanghai. The match, with a prize fund of €500,000 ($540,000), will be played over 12 games, with the second half taking place in Chongqing.

Ju, who has already won the title four times, is aiming to become only the fourth player in history to win the title five times. The only players to have achieved this feat before are Vera Menchik, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Maia Chiburdanidze.

Both Ju and Tan, who are ranked second and third on the women’s rating list, will be playing their second world championship match. The match is set to be a close one, with both players having their own advantages and strengths.

Ju, known for her stability and achievements in women’s chess, has been in top form recently, winning titles and beating top players. On the other hand, Tan, who won the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, has shown that she can be a tough opponent with her tactical and unpredictable style.

With the match likely to go down to the wire, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested battle between the two players. The championship will be broadcast live on the Chess24 Twitch and YouTube channels, with a commentary team featuring top female chess players.

Don’t miss the action as Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi battle it out for the prestigious title of Women’s World Champion.