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Female chess players compete in Yuecheng district, Shaoxing, on Aug 2. [Photo provided by The Belt and Road China International Women's Chess Open]

The Belt and Road China International Women's Chess Open 2024 concluded at Xianheng Hotel in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Aug 2.

Chinese player Tan Zhongyi won the championship title, with Badelka Olga from Belarus securing second place and another Chinese player, Yan Tianqi, taking third.

Before the final round, Tan and Olga were tied with six points each, with Tan ranked second due to direct encounter results. In the final round, Olga drew her game with German player Wagner Dinara in under two hours, leaving the championship chance to Tan.

Tan seized the opportunity, playing as White and gaining an early advantage. She maintained her lead throughout the game, leveraging tactics to gain material in the middlegame. With her pawns advancing on the kingside, her opponent's pieces were effectively restrained. By the 40th move, Tan's opponent conceded, unable to find a viable defense.

After the match, Tan noted that while she played well in the first half, her aggressive tactics in the second half led to some mistakes and a loss. However, her main competitor drew early in the final round, allowing her to secure the championship — a result she modestly attributed partly to luck.