"VAN" (Sports Desk - 05.04.2025) :: Challenger Tan Zhongyi strikes first at the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match, winning game two after Champion Ju Wenjun blunders in the endgame.
Following a closely contested 99% accuracy draw in the opening game, it was evident that both players were adopting a solid, risk-free approach. Game two appeared to be heading in a similar direction until a tricky endgame combined with time pressure led to a decisive mistake by the reigning champion - an opportunity Tan capitalized on to secure the full point.
Interestingly, in their 2018 match, it was Ju Wenjun who struck first blood by winning game two (also with the black pieces) after surprising Tan in the opening. Coincidentally, that second game also featured an English Opening, where Ju responded with 1…e5, and after 2.Nc3 Bb4, caught her opponent off guard. This time, Ju opted for 1…Nf6, and the game entered a well-trodden main line of the English Opening, frequently seen at the top level by players such as Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren. Contrary to popular belief, the English Opening has become a powerful weapon for White. As commentator Evgenij Miroshnichenko noted, “1.c4 is one of the starting moves to fight for an advantage.”
Despite both players entering a main line early on, it was Ju who began to consume significant time, spending over 10 minutes each on three consecutive moves (moves 10, 11, and 12). This gave Tan a comfortable 20-minute time advantage for much of the game. They traded off into an equal rook and pawns endgame, and reached an interesting position where it seemed like Ju faltered in her decision:-
The position remained equal, and a move like 31…Kf8 would have led to an inevitable draw. However, Ju played 31…c5 almost instantly. While the engine still evaluated the position as equal, it introduced unnecessary complications that demanded precision from Black. After Tan responded with 32.Kf3, Ju, down to 14 minutes, spent seven of them pondering her next move, clearly second-guessing her pawn push. Though still drawable, the position now required more effort from Black. Both sides had passed pawns, but White had the advantage of king activity. Calculating accurately under time pressure became crucial, and unfortunately for Ju, her decisive mistake came on move 40:-
Black’s only correct continuation was 40…b4, sacrificing the pawn to allow her rook space. Instead, Ju played 40…Ke8?, and after 41.Ke4, White was winning. Black would lose the b-pawn without compensation. With material advantage, a centralized king, and a dominant passed d-pawn, Tan was in complete control. Though the position was clearly better on paper, it was not necessarily an easy conversion and White had to tread carefully. Tan, albeit with a few inaccuracies, was able to find logical ideas and secure the victory.
It was a painful loss for Ju Wenjun, but the upcoming rest day provides her a chance to recalibrate and mentally prepare for game three. In such high-pressure matches, having a strong support system is vital, and both players are accompanied by experienced teams.
Ju is supported by Grandmaster Ni Hua, her Shanghai chess teammate and second for nine years. The two began working together after the 2016 Chess Olympiad, where the Chinese Women’s team won gold (with both Ju and Tan on the roster!) Also on her team is Grandmaster Maxim Matlakov, winner of the 2017 European Individual Championship and an experienced second who has previously assisted none other than Peter Svidler.
Tan, on the other hand, is joined by Grandmaster Jeffery Xiong, who was part of her team during the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates. Also providing support is Jeffery’s father, Wayne Xiong, who, as a chess parent, has often emphasized the importance of enjoying the game beyond its competitive aspects, perspective that can be instrumental in a high-stakes encounter like this.
The third game of the match will be played on Sunday, April 6th, at 3 PM local time in Shanghai, with Ju Wenjun playing White.
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