2025: A breakthrough year for Zhu Jiner

Zhu Jiner’s 2025 season marked a decisive shift in her standing within women’s chess. Focusing exclusively on classical chess, this analysis traces her rise from the edge of the top ten to world number two, examining her breakthrough performances in the Women’s Grand Prix, a brief mid-year dip in form and a strong finish – which included a remarkable showing at the Fujairah Superstars tournament. | Photo: Abhilash Shinde