Tan Zhongyi

A Chinese champion who won the 2017 knockout title and later returned as a world championship challenger.

Reign: 2017-2018
Country: China
Title Wins: 2017

Bio

Tan Zhongyi became Women's World Champion in 2017 after winning the knockout championship in Tehran. Her victory continued China's deep influence on the title.

Tan is a resourceful and ambitious player who is comfortable in sharp middlegames. She later won the 2024 Women's Candidates Tournament, earning another match against Ju Wenjun in 2025.

Although she lost the title to Ju in 2018 and the rematch in 2025, Tan's repeated presence near the top of the cycle shows exceptional consistency.

Style

Sharp, ambitious, and tactically alert.

Legacy

Tan Zhongyi remains a major figure in China's championship era as both champion and repeat challenger.

Study Focus

Study dynamic play when both sides have attacking chances.

Sources

Last reviewed: May 21, 2026.