If you thought the open section of the World Rapid and Blitz 2025 was heating up with Carlsen and Gukesh leading the pack, the women’s side delivered its own fireworks on day one in Doha. China’s Zhu Jiner grabbed the spotlight with a flawless 4/4 score, outplaying tough opponents like Elina Danielian and Nana Dzagnidze to stand alone at the top. Seven players trail her by half a point at 3.5, setting up a nail-biting chase with more rounds ahead.
World Rapid and Blitz 2025 Women’s section
The atmosphere at World Rapid and Blitz 2025 was electrifying from the start, with 142 players battling under 15-minute rapid time controls plus 10-second increments. Zhu dominated every encounter, securing strong positions and converting them ruthlessly; her form echoes her Women’s Grand Prix success this year. Now, she faces former world championship challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina in round five, a matchup that could shake the leaderboard.
Those on 3.5 points form a stacked group, blending veterans and rising stars. Georgia’s Nino Batsiashvili sits second, followed by Goryachkina in third. Mariya Muzychuk, who won here in 2016, and India’s Harika Dronavalli hold strong at 3.5, alongside Antoaneta Stefanova, Song Yuxin, and Sarasadat Khademalsharieh. India’s Rameshbabu Vaishali scored 3, as did a host of others like Tan Zhongyi, Lei Tingjie, and Koneru Humpy. Tan suffered a heartbreaking blunder in time trouble against Vaishali.
Defending triple crown holder Ju Wenjun landed on 3 after a surprising draw against lower-rated Govhar Beydullayeva in round one. Bibisara Assaubayeva and Alexandra Kosteniuk also hit 3, keeping the top in sight. Indian players shone too: Padmini Rout, Divya Deshmukh, and Savitha Shri B all reached 3, with Vaishali adding to the national pride.
World Rapid And Blitz 2025: Women’s Standings After Day 1
Here are the top 10 women’s standings of the World Rapid and Blitz 2025.
Read More
| Rank | Seed | Title | Name | Rating | Points | |
| 1 | 10 | GM | Zhu, Jiner | 2435 | 4 | |
| 2 | 29 | GM | Batsiashvili, Nino | 2346 | 3.5 | |
| 3 | 3 | GM | Goryachkina, Aleksandra | 2505 | 3.5 | |
| 4 | 12 | GM | Muzychuk, Mariya | 2421 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | 9 | GM | Dronavalli, Harika | 2435 | 3.5 | |
| 6 | 18 | GM | Stefanova, Antoaneta | 2379 | 3.5 | |
| 7 | 19 | IM | Song, Yuxin | 2375 | 3.5 | |
| 8 | 27 | IM | Khademalsharieh, Sarasadat | 2356 | 3.5 | |
| 9 | 69 | WGM | Zhapova, Yana | 2227 | 3 | |
| 10 | 20 | GM | Khotenashvili, Bella | 2373 | 3 |
You can also check out the full standings here.
Also read: World Rapid And Blitz 2025: Gukesh, Carlsen, And Arjun Share Lead
