China's chess queens see opening

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

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

Her historic victory at the 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, held on Wall Street in New York on Dec 31, 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 tells 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 three minutes each to complete their game, with an additional three 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 format highlighted her ability to think quickly and strategically under tight time constraints.

Her victory holds special significance.

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

Ju's journey to the championship has been filled with intense, memorable moments, including her final match against longtime teammate, Lei Tingjie.

"Lei and I have known each other since we were young," she says. "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 undergone 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 says. "Chess is not just a competition; it's a way to connect with others and develop strategic thinking."

Looking ahead, she stresses the importance of engaging with young players.

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

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

"Building a proper talent development system is essential," she says. "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 emphasizes the intellectual benefits of chess for children.

"It enhances their cognitive abilities, and participating in competitions broadens their horizons," Lei says. "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 and Blitz Championships, praised the remarkable achievements of Chinese players, particularly in women's chess.

"We have Chinese women players securing first and second places in the Blitz chess championships here in New York. In 2023, Ding Liren became China's first men's world chess champion, a powerful symbol of China's growing dominance in the game," Turlov says.

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 says, emphasizing that chess is not only intellectually enriching, but also a "fun and cool" pursuit that aligns with the country's intellectual heritage.

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

"These huge achievements will also inspire many more Chinese players to participate internationally," he says.