Two Cities, Nine Games of Intense Chess
The 2025 FIDE Women`s World Championship Match has concluded, and the statistics reveal a captivating narrative of fierce chess competition. Held across two cities and nine intense games, the duel between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi was a test of precision, endurance, and mental fortitude. The numbers, as much as the final score, illustrate this dramatic contest.
Total Moves Played: 517
Throughout the championship, a total of 517 moves were made, showcasing the players` deep opening preparation, intricate middlegame strategies, and nail-biting endgames.
Total Board Minutes: 2,246
The matches were extended battles, accumulating 2,246 minutes at the board – nearly 38 hours of intense concentration and mental effort!
Longest Game: Game 3 – 87 moves, 326 minutes
Game 3 was the marathon of the match, stretching to 87 moves and lasting 326 minutes. This pivotal game saw Ju convert a slight advantage into a crucial point after an over five-hour struggle, shifting the momentum of the match after her Game 2 defeat and boosting her confidence.
Shortest Decisive Game: Game 7 – 47 moves, 242 minutes
Conversely, Game 7 was the quickest victory, ending in 47 moves and 242 minutes with a win for Ju Wenjun. Interestingly, this was Tan Zhongyi`s preferred game, where she held a slight edge as Black before Ju equalized and transitioned into a winning endgame.
Highest Accuracy in a Decisive Game: Game 8 – Ju Wenjun: 98%
Game 8 showcased peak precision, with Ju Wenjun achieving an exceptional 98% accuracy while playing Black. After a middlegame mistake by Tan, Ju seized the opportunity with impeccable play, leaving no chance for her opponent to recover.
Average Accuracy Across the Match:
- Ju Wenjun: 96.4%
- Tan Zhongyi: 94.6%
The high consistency and accuracy of both players underscore the elite level of competition, with Ju demonstrating a marginal but significant advantage in precision.
Most Popular Opening: Sicilian Defense
Repetitive openings were frequent, especially from Tan, whose consistent use of the Sicilian Defense as Black made it the most common opening of the match. The Sicilian, known for its dynamic and complex nature, reflected both players` aggressive approach and their determination to avoid easy draws.
Ultimately, Ju Wenjun maintained her composure and secured her fifth consecutive title – a remarkable achievement highlighting her consistency, strength, and top-tier experience. However, the match was far from one-sided. Tan Zhongyi relentlessly challenged her, creating opportunities and sustaining tension until the very end. It was a hard-fought and dramatic contest, rich in strategic depth, that will be remembered as a true display of top-level women`s chess.
Interview with Women`s World Champion Ju Wenjun
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Photos from the Closing Ceremony
All Games
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Gideon Holt 
Elton Marrow