The FIDE World Rapid Chess 2025 women’s section proved that chess delivers drama. Aleksandra Goryachkina captured her first-ever world rapid title after a thrilling three-way tie at the top, edging out Zhu Jiner in blitz tiebreaks. The event wrapped up with pure tension, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 Recap
The FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 unfolded over 11 intense rounds in a Swiss format, with a 15-minute time control plus 10-second increments. Goryachkina, rated 2505, stayed undefeated alongside challengers Zhu Jiner (2435) and Koneru Humpy (2448). By round 10, five players shared the lead, but entering the final round, it boiled down to these three powerhouses. Goryachkina’s standout moment came earlier against WIM Bat-Erdene Mungunzul, where she navigated a tactical storm, leaving her knight dangling on g5 before turning the tables.
Real Drama Unfolded On Day 3
Round 11 brought the real cinema. All three leaders drew their must-win games, sealing a dramatic deadlock at 8.5/11 points. Zhu held a pawn advantage against GM Tan Zhongyi but couldn’t convert despite two extra pieces. Humpy squandered a winning bishop endgame edge over IM Savitha Shri B. Goryachkina, outplayed in her endgame versus IM Ekaterina Atalik, and pulled off a timely a-file pin to save the draw. FIDE rules meant only two advanced to the tiebreaks based on Buchholz scores. Humpy, the reigning champion, heartbreakingly sat out despite her bronze medal finish.
In the blitz tiebreaks, Aleksandra Goryachkina struck first. Zhu dropped a pawn in game one and faltered, then struggled for chances in game two. The Russian grandmaster, a former World Championship challenger, clinched the €40,000 prize with composure. “It’s very cool!” she said post-match, her best prior rapid result a 2018 bronze. Zhu took silver, Humpy bronze, while IM Savitha Shri B and GM Rameshbabu Vaishali rounded out the top five at 8 points.
Goryachkina’s victory highlights her positional grind turned tactical flair, a perfect fit for Rapid’s chaos. India’s Humpy showed resilience after leading earlier, and Zhu’s near-miss adds fire to her rise. With blitz championships kicking off on December 29, Goryachkina, seeded fifth against IM Gulnar Mammadova, the women’s field promises more battles. Stay tuned; this title chase was just the opener.
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Also read: World Rapid Chess 2025: Magnus Carlsen Reigns Again As Arjun Erigaisi Settles For Bronze
