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Ju Wenjun became the new Women`s World Champion!
Ju Wenjun made a draw with Tan Zhongyi in the last classical game of the Women`s World Chmpionship Match and became the 17th Women`s World Champion in the history of chess. She is also the 6th Chinese player who achived this title.
Tan Zhongyi had to win the final game to level the score and secure a playoff, while Ju Wenjun needed to make a draw to win the Match. Tan Zhongyi who had Black pieces tried to surprise her opponent with the Hippopotamus Defence but it seems Ju Wenjun was well prepared and got an advantage out of the opening. Trying to create some conterplay Tan Zhongyi chose a risky line and ended up in a lost position. Despite having absolutely wining position Ju Wenjun decided to secure a draw and finish the game peacefully.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 9
The ninth game of the FIDE Women World Championship Match took place at the Chongqing Sun Kingdom Hotel and ended up with a draw after 80 moves. The score in the match became 5:4. The Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi needs to win the final game to level the score and secure a playoff, while Ju Wenjun needs to make a draw to win the Match.
As in the previous round it was Ju Wenjun, who had good winning chances in the game nine. Once again Nimzo-Indian happened in the game but Tan Zhonyi chose to play 4.Qc2 compare to the seventh game. Tan Zhongyi didn`t manage to create any troubles for her opponent in the opening and after the game was transferred into the ending Black kept better chances.
In a time trouble Ju Wenjun missed a good winning chance on move 40 when she could have played 40...h4 instead of 40...Rh3. The rook ending still looked winning for Black but Tan Zhongyi found a beautiful resourse 45. e4! If Black plays 45...f4 White can make a draw after 46.Re6! with crazy rook.
The rook ending with 2 extra pawns for Black turned to be drawish and Tan Zhongyi played precisisly and didn`t give other chances for her opponent.
The tenth game of the FIDE Women`s World Championship Match will be held on 18th of May.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 8
The eighth game of the Women’s World Chess Championship Match took place at the Chongqing Sun Kingdom Hotel. Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi made a draw after three hours of play and the score in the match became 4.5:3.5. Ju Wenjun missed a good chance to win the game but she still keeps on leading one point ahead.
Playing Black Tan Zhongyi decided to avoid the Catalan opening and showed her intention to fight after 4…f6 and 5…g5. Even though this variation looked risky for Black, the Women`s World Champion believed it was definitely worth a try. Ju Wenjun coped well in the unfamiliar opening and after opposite-side castling the position became sharp. The most crucial moment came after Tan Zhongyi played 26...Rxe5. It turned out to be a blunder, which gave white a great chance to get winning position after simple tactics 27.Rxe5 Nxe5 28.f4 Ng4 29.Qxf6 Nxf6 30.Bc4! Both players didn`t see this option and after that most of the pieces were traded and the peace was signed on 32nd move.
Two games left in the FIDE Women`s World Championship Match and the current Women`s Champion needs to make at least 1,5 out of 2 to equalize the score, while Ju Wenjun will win the Match if she secures 1 point out of 2. The 9th game will be held on 16th of May.
According to the regulations If the scores are level after the regular ten games, after a new drawing of colours, four tie-break games will be played, with 25 minutes for each player and an increment of ten seconds after each move.
If the scores are level after the four rapid games, then, after a new drawing of colours, a match of two games will be played with a time control of five minutes plus three seconds' increment after each move. In case of a level score, another two-game match will be played to determine a winner. If there is still no winner after five such matches (i.e. after ten games), one sudden-death game will be played. This involves a drawing of lots, the winner being able to choose the colour. The player with the white pieces receives five minutes, the player with the black pieces four minutes, with an increment of three seconds per move from move 61 on. In case of a draw, the player with the black pieces is declared the winner. The games will start at 3 p.m. local time.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 7
The seventh game of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match was held at the Chongqing Sun Kingdom Hotel on 13th of May. Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi made a draw after three hours fight. The score in the match is 4: 3 and three rounds to go the challenger Ju Wenjun keeps on leading in the Match one point ahead.
After 5 decisive games in a row today`s game was relatively peaceful. Both players were familiar with the opening. Even though the Women`s World Champion is definitely looking for chances to equalize the score in the match, it seems like she didn`t manage to create many problems for her opponent in the 7th game. According to Tan Zhongyi, she didn’t like Ju Wenjun’s plan 16...c4 ,18... Bd6, and 19...Qe7 and she felt she had a bit advantage at the center.
Ju Wenjun didn`t think her position was worse but didn`t mind to make a draw. She simplified the position and the game was transferred into the completely drawish ending with opposite color bishops and rooks.
Tomorrow is a free day and the 8th game will be held on 3:00pm on 15th May.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 6
The sixth game of the FIDE Women's World Championship Match took place on 12th of May in Chongqing Sun Kingdom Hotel. The Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi defeated Ju Wenjun after 125 moves and 6 hours of play. The score became 2.5:3.5 and the challenger is leading after 6 rounds.
Today’s game started with the Catalan opening same as the third game of the Match. Tan Zhongyi deviated from the course of that game on the 4th move and chose 4...Bb4 instead of 4...dc. According to Ju Wenjun, she didn`t see a principal line 19. Qb7 and missed the opportunity to grab a pawn. However, Tan Zhongyi felt confidant about her position and thought she could have got enough compensation.
When the black queenside pawns started to move forward, Ju Wenjun obviously lost her track and made few inaccurate moves in the time trouble. After 40.Bf1 she lost one pawn and ended up defending worse ending. After precise 40. f4 the position could have remained balanced. Tan Zhongyi managed to convert her advantage into the full point after 2 more hours of play. It was the longest game in this Match until now.
The 7th game of the FIDE Women`s World Championship Match will take place on 13th of May at 3 pm local time.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 5
Ju Wenjun lead with 3.5-1.5 after 5 games
The 5th game of the FIDE Women`s World Championship Match took place at the InterContinental Hotel Shanghai on 9th May. The challenger Ju Wenjun defeated the current champion Tan Zhongyi and the score in the match became 3.5:1.5. After the first half of the Match 4 out of five games were desicive and only one game finished in a draw. Tommorow the tournament hall will be moved to Chongqing, a home town of Tan Zhongyi.
Tan Zhongyi chose to play 1.e4, a very rare move in her chess career. It seems Ju Wenjun was well prepared against the Bishop Opening and didn`t have any trouble in the opening.
Tan Zhongyi decided to sacrifice a pawn to get a pair of bishops instead. It turned out White had not enough compensation as Black managed to block the center with the knights and created dangerous attack on the King`s side. After 35 move Tan Zhongyi had to resign.
At the post-game press conference Ju Wenjun said she was surprised to lead in the Match by 2 points. She felt that Tan Zhongyi was not in good shape, but thought there is still long way to go.
The 6th game will be held on 3 pm 12th May, in Chongqing. According to the match regulations, players switched colors after 4 games and it means Tan Zhongyi will have white pieces on the 6th round too.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 4
The fourth game of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match was held at the InterContinental Hotel Shanghai on the 7th May. After 2 losses the Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi defeated her opponent Ju Wenjun. The score in the Match is 2.5:1,5 and the challenger still leads after 4 rounds.
Playing with White pieces Tan Zhongyi started with Trompowsky Attack. She was trying to avoid theoretical lines and choose to fight in the middlegame. White was obviously looking for attacking chances on the King`s side but it seemed Black had enough forces for defence. After 21.g4 the position became sharp and according to Tan Zhongyi, she did not believe she had any advantage until Ju Wenjun made a few inaccurate moves. It seems Black got into trouble after exchanging a very strong knight (23...Nxd2) and after another mistake 26...g5 White had just to find precise moves to finish her attack.
The 8th of May will be the second rest day in this match. According to the match regulations, players will switch colours after 4 games and it means Tan Zhongyi will have white pieces on the 5th round.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 3 Ju Wenjun wins again
After the first free day the third round of the Women`s World Championship Match was held at the InterContinental Hotel Shanghai on 6th of May. The current Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi had to resign on 27th move. After 3 games the challenger leads with 2.5:0.5.
Today’s game started with the Catalan Opening. After Ju Wenjun moved her Queen to the King`s side hoping to creat some attacking chances, Tan Zhongyi made a serious mistake 14...g5?? And after 15.Qh5, Black lost a pawn and her position became hopeless.
Later at the post game conference, Tan Zhongyi explained that she simply missed her opponenet`s move 15.Qh5 and later 24.Ne4. Ju Wenjun said was surprised of Tan’s g5 and she felt she was going to win today after 16.Bxg5.
The 4th game will tbe held on 3:00pm on 7th May.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 2
The second game of the 2018 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match took place in the InterContinental Hotel in Shanghai on 4th of May. The challenger Ju Wenjun defeated the Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi with Black pieces after 55 moves.
In today’s game, Tan Zhongyi played c4 on the first more, instead of her more common 1.d4, trying to surprise her opponent. Nevertheless, Ju Wenjun was prepared well and played unexpected moves in the opening. According to Tan Zhongyi, she had no idea how to play after the 2nd move and chose relatively passive 3.d3.
As a result, Tan Zhongyi didn`t get any advantage from opening with White, while Black got very comfortable play.
The mistake on the 22 move gave Ju Wenjun the opportunity to increase her advantage. Ju Wenjun won a pawn and transferred the game into the winning rook ending. Under the time pressure the challenger made a few mistakes giving chances to Tan Zhongyi to save the game but she failed to find the precise ways to keep the balance.
After 2 games the score in the match is 1,5-0,5 in favor of Ju Wenjun. After the rest day the match will continue on Sunday, the 6th of May.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Round 1
3:00pm 3rd May Beijing Time, 2018 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match begins inside InterContinental Hotel Jing’an Suburb Shanghai. After 5 hours long contest, the challenger Ju Wenjun and the current champion Tan Zhongyi end up with a draw in this first game.
In the opening, Tan Zhongyi chose the queen’s gambit accepted with black，that was not what Ju Wenjun was expected for. Ju Wenjun spent a lot of time on opening, whereas Tan Zhongyi did it quick and meant to maintain the complex position.
There is big time difference on the clock, however there in no obvious advantage on the board. Been a while, Tan Zhongyi was the more active side. And then the fight was concentrated in the middle of the board. After a sharp move 14...Ne5，Tan Zhongyi decided to brought the game into a fierce battle. Later in the post game conference, they had different opinion about this move, Tan Zhongyi believed that was necessary while Ju Wenjun thought that another simple move such as 14...Be5 will bring black into a better position. In their game, after some fight under time control, Ju Wenjun brought it to a Knight Pawn – Bishop Pawn ending. Continuous Pressure from Ju Wenjun during the next nearly 30 rounds, Tan Zhongyi dealt with them all. Drew is announced and ended this 63 moves first game.
Later in the post game conference, Tan Zhongyi says she was psychological prepared. Be honest, was more prefer to have the white in the first game. But accepted the challenge and did it well since already had the black. Ju Wenjun says it is not rare having a 5 hours matching. Quality is what she cares about.
Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi are the same age. Being teammates fighting for honor, they are more like good friends. In the past 3 years, Ju Wenjun’s score doesn’t look as good as Tan Zhongyi’s. Ju Wenjun was asked wheather this gonna be a pressure? She says: Past results never be my concern, every match is a new beginning. Tan Zhongyi and me we know each other very well, that will make this match a brand new experience and I am excited for it.
When they were asked about the difference between classical robin tournament and this match, Tan Zhongyi said this is a challenge for her, while Ju Wenjun felt this kind of form helps players stay focused. And both of them were satisfied with today’s game and result.
3:00pm 4th May, will knock the 2nd match bell. Tan Zhongyi will play white.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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Women's World Championship Match 2018: Opening Ceremony
Women's World Championship Match 2018 between the Women`s World Champion Tan Zhongyi and the winner of FIDE Grand Prix Series Ju Wenjun will be organized from 2nd to 9th of May in Shanghai and the latter half from 11th to 20th May in Chongqing.
Challenger Ju Wenjun selected the Black queen with a white base at the opening ceremony in Shanghai and will play white in the first game against Tan Zhongyi. Players will switch colours after 4 games.
The time control for the game is: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. The winner of the ten-game match is the first player to reach 5.5 points or more. If the scores are level after the regular ten games, after a new drawing of colours, four tie-break games will be played, with 25 minutes for each player and an increment of ten seconds after each move.
If the scores are level after the four rapid games, then, after a new drawing of colours, a match of two games will be played with a time control of five minutes plus three seconds' increment after each move. In case of a level score, another two-game match will be played to determine a winner. If there is still no winner after five such matches (i.e. after ten games), one sudden-death game will be played. This involves a drawing of lots, the winner being able to choose the colour. The player with the white pieces receives five minutes, the player with the black pieces four minutes, with an increment of three seconds per move from move 61 on. In case of a draw, the player with the black pieces is declared the winner. The games will start at 3 p.m. local time.
The prize fund for this match is 200,000 Euros and will be split between the players as follows: 60% for the winner and 40% to the loser if the match ends within the 10 regular games. In case the winner is decided by tie-break games, she will receive 55% and loser 45%.
Official website: china2018.fide.com
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