Zhu Jiner Takes Sole Lead in 2025 Nicosia FIDE Women’s Grand Prix After Round 2

GM Zhu Jiner Takes Sole Lead in 2025 Nicosia FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

In an exciting turn of events, GM Zhu Jiner has taken the sole lead in the 2025 Nicosia FIDE Women’s Grand Prix after a dramatic round two. The tournament, which features some of the top female chess players in the world, saw GM Elisabeth Paehtz make a fatal move in an endgame she seemed to be holding, allowing Zhu to secure the win and move to the top of the standings.

Only IM Stavroula Tsolakidou is within half a point of Zhu after surviving a tricky position against GM Harika Dronavalli. The competition was fierce, with GM Nana Dzagnidze also coming close to a decisive victory against IM Olga Badelka but ultimately failing to find a knockout blow.

Round three of the tournament is set to start on Monday, March 17, with Zhu facing off against Harika. The stakes are high, with the top prize of €18,000 on the line and players vying for a spot in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.

The 2025 Nicosia FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is the fourth of six legs in the 2024-2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series, with players competing in a round-robin format. The tournament is being held in Nicosia, Cyprus, and has already seen some intense battles on the chessboard.

Chess fans can follow the action and watch the games live as the top female players compete for glory and the chance to challenge for the World Championship title. With Zhu Jiner leading the pack, the competition is sure to heat up as the tournament progresses.