In Game 8 of the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match, Tan Zhongyi changed her strategy, deviating from her usual English Opening in an attempt to shake things up and force a result. But despite the challenger’s fighting intentions, World Champion Ju Wenjun once again demonstrated why she now stands just half a point away from securing a fourth consecutive title.
For the first time in the match, we saw a departure from the opening script. Tan had been consistently starting with 1.c4, but today she chose to break not only from that pattern but also from her standard repertoire. She played 1.e4—famously described by Bobby Fischer as “the best by test”—a logical choice for Tan Zhongyi, who needed more than a slight opening advantage. She needed to win.
The first ceremonial moves in Game 8 were made by Chen Shenglin, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Dana Reizniece.
Let’s once again assess the psychological landscape of the match heading into the game: Ju has just achieved a hat trick, winning three consecutive games and taking a commanding 5–3 lead. With only 6.5 points needed to retain her title, she entered the game with confidence and control. Ju is a champion in her prime—focused, composed, and resolute. She told us in an interview before the match (which you can watch here) that her greatest strength as a world champion is not just hard work, but “concentration.” Watching her during the games—barely leaving her chair and maintaining unwavering focus —it’s clear her actions reflect her words. And this quality has brought her within reach of another successful title defense.
Tan, on the other hand, is in a position few would envy: three points behind, under immense pressure, with the world watching. She must fight tooth and nail for every point. Prior to the match, Tan radiated confidence, and we saw glimpses of this in the early games – perhaps too much at times, as she played too quickly in complex positions that required more careful calculation. But that confidence now appears shaken. In recent games, she has hesitated too long in moments that demanded determination. Today, her play reflected a mix of confidence and desperation. She sacrificed a pawn without compensation, and Ju converted the advantage with precise and elegant play.