Hou Yifan Leads Alpine SG Pipers to Victory in 2025 Global Chess League Final
Hou Yifan scored four consecutive wins for Alpine SG Pipers, helping the team reach and win the 2025 Global Chess League final. The final was held in Mumbai, where the Alpine SG Pipers defeated Triveni Continental Kings 8.5-3.5.
Hou Yifan, the women's world No 1 and regarded as the all-time No 2 among women behind Judit Polgar, is currently semi-retired as she pursues a professorship at Peking University and completed her studies at Oxford. In the final, she drew both games against Zhu Jiner, who is ranked No 2 by FIDE ahead of Ju Wenjun.
Anish Giri also contributed to the victory by defeating Wei Yi 2-0, notably unveiling a 7 h2-h4! opening. Giri is considered a strong candidate for the 2026 World Championship Candidates tournament scheduled for March.
Meanwhile, the World Rapid and World Blitz championships have commenced in Doha, with Magnus Carlsen as the top seed for both events. Results from these tournaments will be covered next week. Additionally, the 99th Hastings Congress is set to begin on Sunday.
