Success for China’s female chess players set to have long-lasting impact

Ju Wenjun, the newly crowned Women's World Blitz Chess Champion, believes the growing success of Chinese players on the global stage can inspire a new wave of chess enthusiasts in China.

"I hope that by excelling in international competitions, we can motivate more young people in China to take up chess," she said.

Her historic victory at the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships, held in the United States, on New York's iconic Wall Street on Tuesday, marked a significant milestone in her career and underscored China's growing stature as a global chess powerhouse.

"This competition was incredibly exciting for me," Ju told China Daily. "It was my first time competing on Wall Street, and the atmosphere was electric, with fans from around the world. Performing well in such a prestigious setting was truly thrilling."

Blitz chess, which is known for its fast-paced nature, gives players only 3 minutes each to complete their game, with an additional 3 seconds added per move. This contrasts with rapid chess, where players start with 15 minutes and gain 10 seconds for each move.

Ju's triumph in the high-pressure blitz format highlighted her ability to think quickly and strategically under immense time constraints.

While Chinese women have long excelled in chess, Ju's victory holds special significance.

"Chinese women have won the Women's Rapid Chess Championship before," the Shanghai native said. "But this is our first Blitz title. It's a moment of immense pride for us."

Ju's journey to the championship was filled with intense and memorable moments, including her final match against long-time teammate Lei Tingjie.

"Lei and I have known each other since we were young," she said. "Competing against her was unique; a mix of seriousness and mutual encouragement. Even in a high-stakes match, we found moments to laugh, which created a positive atmosphere."

The camaraderie reflects the spirit of the Chinese chess community, which has seen remarkable growth and success in recent years.

"In just a few decades, China has achieved so much in chess, from individual world championships to team victories," Ju said. "I hope my success encourages more people in China to discover the game. Chess is not just a competition; it's a way to connect with others and develop strategic thinking."

Looking ahead, Ju stressed the importance of engaging with young players.

"Introducing chess to schools and organizing youth events are fantastic ways to spark interest," she said. "Chess helps develop critical-thinking skills and fosters meaningful connections."

Lei, the runner-up in the Women's World Blitz Championship, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the need for a solid infrastructure to nurture young talent.

"Building a proper talent development system is essential," she said. "We need more high-level coaches and clear development pathways to strengthen our national team and lay a foundation for the sport's growth in China."

She also emphasized the intellectual benefits of chess for children.

"It enhances their cognitive abilities, and participating in competitions broadens their horizons," Lei said. "With the right support, I believe more Chinese players will rise to the top in the years ahead."

Timur Turlov, founder of Freedom Holding Corp, the sponsor of the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships, praised the remarkable achievements of Chinese players, particularly in women's chess.

"We have Chinese women players securing first and second place in the Blitz chess championships here in New York. Last year, Ding Liren became China's first men's world chess champion, a powerful symbol of China's growing dominance in the game," Turlov said.

He also drew parallels between chess and other sports in which China has excelled, including swimming and tennis, and said the chess victories could have a similarly profound impact.

"Winning championships can inspire younger generations," Turlov noted, emphasizing that chess is not only intellectually enriching, but also a "fun and cool" pursuit that aligns with China's strong intellectual heritage.

Turlov expressed confidence the recent accomplishments will lead to meaningful change.

"These huge achievements will also inspire many more Chinese players to participate internationally," he said, highlighting the importance of broader engagement in nurturing talent.