Xie Jun
China's first Women's World Champion, ending 41 years of unbroken Soviet dominance.
Photo: Andrzej Filipowicz · Public Domain (published before 1994 under Polish law)
Biography
Born in 1970, Xie Jun beat Chiburdanidze for the title in 1991, becoming the first Chinese World Chess Champion of either title line and ending four decades of Soviet control of the Women's World Championship.
She lost the title to Susan Polgar in 1996, then won it back in a 1999 knockout championship, holding it until 2001 when fellow Chinese player Zhu Chen took the title.
Playing Style
Resilient and well-rounded, widely credited with kickstarting China's rise as a world power in women's chess.
Notable Games
1991 Championship win over Chiburdanidze
The match that broke 41 years of Soviet dominance and began China's continuing run at the top of women's chess.
Fun Facts
- Her 1991 win began a stretch in which China has held the large majority of Women's World titles ever since.
- She is one of relatively few champions in either title line to reclaim the title after losing it.