China's Xiangqi champion Wang Yubo suffers shock defeat to female player

In a stunning upset that has sent ripples through the Xiangqi (Chinese chess) community, China's reigning national champion, 22-year-old Wang Yubo, was defeated by female player Wang Zihan. Wang Yubo, who earned the title of "Qi Wang" (Chess King) after winning the standard chess championship in 2025, has struggled with inconsistent form since his victory.

His recent performance slump includes an early exit from the prestigious Wuyang Cup and subsequent losses in various tournaments. The Qi Cheng Cup marked a new low for Wang Yubo. Despite being ranked in the top 8 in China and receiving a direct entry into the finals, he was eliminated in the very first round.

Compounding the surprise, Wang Yubo faced Wang Zihan, who had advanced from the women's bracket. While Xiangqi tournaments sometimes allocate spots to female players to promote the sport, few anticipated the national champion would lose to a relatively unknown player from Hebei province. Wang Zihan, 24, is known for her charm and resilience but is not considered among China's top female Xiangqi players.

In their match, Wang Zihan, playing with black pieces, managed to secure a draw against Wang Yubo, forcing a rapid-play tiebreaker. Even in the tiebreaker, she again played with black. Observers noted Wang Yubo appeared "completely flustered, immersed in doubt before a female player, leading to hesitation at critical moments." Ultimately, Wang Yubo made a decisive error, leading to his defeat by Wang Zihan. This unexpected loss has fueled widespread discussion on social media and Xiangqi platforms, further deepening concerns about the young champion's current form.

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completely flustered, immersed in doubt before a female player, leading to hesitation at critical moments