Ju Wenjun takes the lead in Game 5

GM Ju Wenjun seized a 3-2 lead over challenger GM Tan Zhongyi in a tense fifth game clash in Shanghai. Tan's ambitious opening strategy backfired spectacularly when she ventured into the rare Sicilian Kan variation, a choice that surprised commentators. Dutch GM Anish Giri remarked it was "unexpected for a World Championship match," setting the tone for a game full of surprises.

_{Image from chess.com}

As the match heads into its final Shanghai encounter before moving to Tan's hometown of Chongqing, all eyes are on how the challenger will respond. Tan will have the white pieces in game six, presenting a crucial opportunity to level the score. When questioned about her post-game recovery routine, Tan offered an intriguing response, mentioning strict anti-doping protocols and expressing her dissatisfaction with Shanghai cuisine - comments that added an extra layer of intrigue to this high-stakes battle.

Ju masterfully navigated around Tan's preparation, responding to her opponent's risky 9...Ne5?! with the clever 10.c5!? - a move that left Tan scrambling. The challenger's subsequent inaccuracies allowed Ju to gradually tighten her grip on the position, picking up key pawns while systematically neutralizing any counterplay. Tan attempted a desperate piece sacrifice late in the game, but Ju remained composed under pressure, calculating her way to a winning endgame that forced resignation.

With momentum now firmly on Ju's side, the chess world waits with bated breath to see if the defending champion can extend her lead or if Tan will mount a comeback. The next decisive moves in this championship saga unfold on April 10 at 3:00 a.m. ET / 09:00 CEST / 12:30 p.m. IST, as these two elite competitors continue their battle for the crown