Game 3 of the Women's World Chess Championship saw defending champion Ju Wenjun respond strongly to her defeat in the previous round by securing a win against Tan Zhongyi. Playing with the white pieces, Ju chose a less conventional line against Tan's Sicilian Defence, likely aiming to sidestep her opponent's preparation while choosing to enter a positional battle. Despite the early deviation, Tan reacted solidly and maintained a good pace on the clock, suggesting she was comfortable navigating the strategic territory.
As the middlegame progressed, Ju gradually increased the pressure without taking unnecessary risks. Her positional play yielded a small advantage, particularly after securing an extra pawn on the queenside. While the position remained dynamically balanced, especially due to the opposite-coloured bishops, Ju's extra pawn on the c-file gave her a clear target to pursue in the endgame.
By move 41, the game had transitioned into a rook and opposite-coloured bishop endgame, with White pressing on the queenside. Although computer analysis suggested the position was almost fully equalised, Ju continued to pose practical problems.
Tan's decisive error came on move 60, when Ju correctly decided to invade with his king via the dark squares on the kingside.
Ju's coordination of king and rook proved decisive, as she created mounting pressure that Tan eventually failed to contain. The game lasted 87 moves and more than five and a half hours, with Tan resigning in a position where further resistance was futile. This victory brings the score back to level as three more games remain to be played in Shanghai before the contenders take the match to Chongqing, Tan's hometown.
Find expert analysis by GM Karsten Müller below.
Ju Wenjun | Photo: Anna Shtourman
Analysis by GM Karsten Müller
Game over | Photo: Anna Shtourman
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