3:00pm 4th May Beijing Time, 2018 FIDE women’s world chess championship match had the 2nd game inside InterContinental Hotel Jing’an Suburb Shanghai. The challenger Ju Wenjun took the first victory in championship match.

In today’s game, Tan Zhongyi played c4 in the first more, instead of her more common move d4, meant to play it out of Ju Wenjun’s expect. What surprised us is, Ju Wenjun was prepared and played unusually moves. Just like what Tan Zhongyi said after the game: Have no idea how to do after the 2rd move.

Instead of taking advantages from opening with white, Tan Zhongyi fell into disadvantage position in that complex situation. After then, another mistake was made in the 22 move due to too confident on previous calculation. That gave Ju Wenjun the opportunity to increase her advantages. After fierce battle, Ju Wenjun won the game. What is worth mentioning is that, Ju Wenjun also made few mistakes due to the time pressures, that actually was a good chance for Tan Zhongyi to save the game. Short of thinking time, Tan Zhongyi lost it.

Photo by: Xiaolong

Later at the post game conference, Tan Zhongyi didn’t look depressed, there were moments she laughed. Ju Wenjun, had calm and peace on her face.

Look back to the past two games, Tan Zhongyi says: I had a successful opening in the 1st game, but didn’t play well after that. A big mistake was made in the 2nd game. What is need for now is to adjust status.I believe nobody feels happy when loose but I am good at working under pressures.” Tan Zhongyi said so.

Both of them refused questions regarding to their assistant and team. I was told by coach of Shanghai team，WGM Wang Pin, that the famous Chinese GM Ni Hua now is also the coach in Shanghai team, he is in charge of technical issues. In today’s game, Ju Wenjun brought Tan Zhongyi into trouble in 2 moves, so should we consider this as Ju Wenjun  Team’s homework? Hopefully we will figure it out soon. 


GM Ni Hua with his wife

5th May is the 1st rest day in championship match. They were asked about plan in break. “Play games！” Tan Zhongyi says without hesitation. “I think I will stay in the hotel, not going out, well, not decide yet.” Says Ju Wenjun.   

The 3rd game of the Women’s World Championship Match will start on 6th of May at 3 p.m. local time.

 

report and photos by:Gu Xiaobing