The official press conference and opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE Women`s World Championship were held today in Shanghai, in a prestigious setting appropriate for such a significant event.
At approximately 4:00 PM local time, journalists gathered in the Grand Banquet Hall of the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, eagerly anticipating the start of the official opening press conference for the 2025 FIDE Women`s World Championship Match.
The press conference was divided into two segments: the first featuring officials and organizers, and the second with the players. Grandmaster Ni Hua moderated the first half.
The panel included Victor Bologan, FIDE Management Board Executive Director; Song Hui, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports; Du Xueyong, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Administration of Sports; Xu Yuhua, Deputy Director of the Chess Department of China Qi-yuan and General Secretary of the Chinese Chess Association; Liu Shizhen, Director of the Shanghai Board and Card Games Administrative Center; and Huang Bo, Director of the Chongqing Board and Card Games Administrative Center. Translation between Mandarin and English was provided throughout the proceedings.
Xu Yuhua presented the match details, after which Victor Bologan expressed FIDE`s gratitude to the organizers and highlighted the event`s significance. Subsequently, Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi, the stars of the championship, arrived for the second segment. Questions focused on their feelings and the importance of the match for them. Both players appeared enthusiastic and answered questions with smiles.
The atmosphere then transitioned to a celebratory mode as guests moved to the other side of the Grand Banquet Hall. The space was elegantly decorated, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. The ceremony commenced with a promotional video showcasing the intensity of the upcoming championship. This was followed by introductions of players and guests, and the playing of the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China and the FIDE anthem.
Xu Bin, Director General of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, delivered a welcome address.
Next, He Fengxiang, President of China Qi-yuan, spoke about the prestige and historical importance of chess in China.
Victor Bologan
Victor Bologan then read a letter on behalf of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who could not attend. He emphasized the match`s importance for chess and for China, recognizing the nation`s chess legacy.
The drawing of lots was eagerly anticipated. Two bouquets were presented to the players, and the chief arbiter placed silk bags in each. World Champion Ju Wenjun chose a bouquet and revealed a white queen in her bag, determining the colors for the first game.
The evening concluded with He Fengxiang, Xu Bin, Victor Bologan, Xie Jun, Song Hui, and Du Xueyong pressing their hands on a stage screen, symbolically marking the official start of the match. Following the ceremony, guests and players enjoyed a dinner featuring Chinese cuisine.
The first game is scheduled to begin tomorrow, April 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM local time.
About the match
The 2025 FIDE Women`s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi is a 12-game match format. The first player to reach 6½ points will be declared the winner. If the match is tied 6-6 after 12 games, a tiebreak will decide the champion. The tiebreak process involves rapid and, if needed, blitz games to ensure a decisive result.
The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1.
Schedule
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Elton Marrow