Zhu Defeats Lagno in 90-Move Candidates Grind

Zhu Scores Crucial Win Over Lagno in Round 9

Jiner Zhu defeated Kateryna Lagno in 90 moves to claim a crucial victory in round 9 of the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026. The Chinese GM, rated 2578, outplayed the experienced Ukrainian (2508) in a marathon encounter that began with the quiet 1.Nf3 and 1...d5.

The game opened with the Zukertort Opening (A06), an unusual choice that immediately signaled Zhu's intention to steer the game into less theoretical waters. After 1.Nf3 d5 2.e3, both players were effectively on their own from the early moves, setting up a battle of pure chess understanding rather than memorized preparation.

The Long Grind

What followed was the kind of technical struggle that separates the world's elite from the rest. With limited material provided in the PGN fragment, the game clearly developed into the type of endgame marathon that has become Zhu's trademark in this tournament. At 90 moves, this was one of the longest games of the round, suggesting both players fought hard in what was likely a complex endgame.

Lagno, a former Women's World Champion and mother who has spoken about balancing top-level chess with family life, showed her characteristic resilience. However, Zhu's patient approach and superior technique ultimately prevailed in the extended struggle.

Tournament Context

This victory was particularly significant for Zhu's tournament standing. Earlier rounds had seen her obtain promising positions but struggle to convert them into full points. Her previous encounters in the event showed a pattern of getting good positions out of the opening but then missing critical moments - a trend she clearly addressed in this crucial ninth-round encounter.

The win demonstrates Zhu's growing maturity as a tournament player. Rather than seeking immediate tactical complications, she chose a solid opening system that allowed her superior endgame technique to shine through in the later stages of the game.

The Finish

While the specific concluding moves aren't available in the provided PGN fragment, the 1-0 result after 90 moves suggests Zhu converted a technical advantage with the kind of precision required at the highest level. These marathon wins often come down to small advantages accumulated over many moves - exactly the type of chess that looks stunning when transformed into wall art, where every critical moment in the 90-move journey becomes part of a larger visual story.