“I’m very happy and honored to be playing Norway Chess Women for the first time. It’s a tournament I’ve followed for many years and I really like the format. I’m excited to take on this challenge and give my very best in Oslo!”

With those words, Chinese Grandmaster Zhu Jiner confirms that she will compete in Norway Chess Women 2026. It will be her debut in the tournament, following a year that has seen her rise rapidly to the very top of women’s chess.

Photo: Lennart Ootes

At the start of 2025, Zhu was ranked World No. 10 among women. By October, she had climbed to World No. 2, where she remains today. Her results throughout the year established her as one of the leading contenders in the Women’s World Championship cycle.

A major milestone came in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series 2024–2025, where she tied for first place in all three events she played. That performance secured her overall victory in the series and qualification for the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, the final step before a World Championship match.

Known for combining tactical sharpness with strong positional understanding, Zhu Jiner is a well-rounded player who is comfortable in both complex tactical battles and long strategic games.

Her connection to Norway Chess began last year when she competed in the Norway Chess Open in Stavanger. This year she returns to Oslo to take part in Norway Chess Women for the first time, facing the very strongest female players in the world, including fellow Chinese star and reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun.

Photo: Norway Chess / Roza Czarnota

Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, is excited to see Zhu make her debut:

“Zhu Jiner has taken remarkable steps forward in a short time and is now firmly among the world’s best players. She’s an exciting player to watch, and we hope fans in China, especially those following Norway Chess on the Chinese social media channel Weibo, will enjoy seeing her compete in Oslo.”

About Norway Chess Women

Norway Chess Women was launched in 2024 and is held alongside the main Norway Chess tournament with the same format, playing conditions, and prize fund. Now entering its third edition, it has quickly become one of the most important events in women’s chess, bringing together the world’s strongest female players in a highly competitive setting.