Zhu Jiner (2536) - Tan Zhongyi (2541) 0-1

22-year-old Zhu has been a revelation in the Grand Prix series. Playing as a late replacement for GM Lei Tingjie, she tied for first place in both Nicosia and Pune, while Tan took second place in Shymkent and shared forth in Monaco. Tan's thoughts then switched to the world championship match, where she took the early lead only to lose five of the next six games.

So the momentum was with Zhu, but in Austria it was Tan who snatched victory in round one.

In a difficult Ruy Lopez position, with both players low on time, Zhu suddenly opted for 38.Nd6?! Bxd6 39.Rxb5!?, a drastic plan of giving up the exchange in return for a pawn.

Computers frown on the decision, though it should be noted that it almost worked! Although Tan gained a clear advantage, it was tricky to convert into a win, with multiple promising options missed until Zhu finally managed to equalize.

There would be a last twist, however, with Zhu's 87.Bf3? suddenly giving Tan a last chance to claim victory—this time she made no mistake!

That meant Tan had got off to a great start in her battle to return to the Candidates—and a potential third world championship match against Ju, while Zhu has work to do.

The Grosslobming FIDE Women's Grand Prix takes place between May 6 and May 15, 2025

The Grosslobming FIDE Women's Grand Prix is a 10-player single round-robin. The time control is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. Players earn Grand Prix points according to their final standings.