Song Hui, Deputy Director of Shanghai Administration of Sports and Mohd AI-Mudahka, Arab Chess Federation 1st Vice-President performed the first ceremonial moves in Game 4.
Time trouble and middlegame madness characterized today’s game, and not just in moments, but throughout nearly every phase. It was a game that teased decisive results, but ultimately ended in a draw that felt anything but quiet.
With two of the three previous games in the match ending decisively, today’s clash carried psychological weight. Would the players opt for a cautious draw, or dare to push for a lead? If the match so far was any indication, fireworks were more likely than fizzle, and indeed, the game sparked to life straight out of the opening.
Ju’s time trouble, an ongoing theme in the match, returned in full force. With under a minute on her clock and a tough position to navigate, she was under tremendous pressure. Tan, still up by over 20 minutes, tried to keep the heat on by playing quickly. But once again, this cost her dearly. In a position where precision was key, she missed the optimal move order, and the game became a technically drawn rook and pawn endgame
On move 81, with only the kings left on the board, the players shook hands as the game was drawn.
The match was destined to be a closely contested one, and today’s game proved it once again. Tan had her chances, and expressed disappointment in her play in the post-game press conference, but Ju showed why she is the reigning World Champion and found key moves in critical moments. Tomorrow they will have their second official rest day before resuming the battle.
Follow FIDE’s social media channels for updates, tune into YouTube for live commentary and coverage, and visit the official match website for more information.
Written by Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Anna Shtourman
Official website: womenworldchampionship2025.fide.com/
About the Match
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi follows a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner.
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 an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1.
If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome.
From Draw full of drama: Tan Zhongyi misses her chance to take the lead – International Chess Federation