SLEO Hosts GM Tan Zhongyi for an Interview and Simul

This past Saturday, June 7th, students from SLEO and John Burroughs school attended a very special event: hosting the 2025 Women’s World Championship Challenger, GM Tan Zhongyi. An accomplished player, Zhongyi has achieved many great feats such as winning the 2017 Women’s World Champion and the 2022 Women’s Rapid World Championship; she is also a five-time Chinese Women’s National Championship winner.

SLEO leaders and families collaborated with John Burroughs students and staff to set up the event, which was hosted in the Newman Auditorium of John Burroughs school. It consisted of three sections: an interview with Ms. Tan by three members of SLEO, a Q&A with the audience, and finally a simul match. SLEO’s interviewers, Rex Zhu, Vera Ewing and Sophie Zhang asked thought provoking questions about grandmaster Tan’s chess journey, from her path to winning the World Championships to her thoughts on promoting girls’ presence in chess. Mr. Fang, a SLEO parent who translated the conversation between English and Mandarin, was crucial for the success of the event.

Some questions asked were, “Do you agree with the separate men’s and women’s divisions in chess?” and “What are some setbacks you have had to overcome on your journey to where you are now?”

Proceeding the interview, the audience members asked their questions, ranging from chess openings to comparing the systems of learning chess in China vs. America. The audience had many inquiries, and the interview was also broadcasted live on Zoom as well. In the last part of the event, eighteen players participated in a simul against Ms. Tan. There were many strong players such as Ayden Huang (2100 USCF), Albert Shi (1700 USCF) and Edward Shen (1800 USCF). All participants were also awarded medals for participation.

This event was very successful, with many children and adults filling up the auditorium’s seats. We are very honored to have been able to host Ms. Tan and listen to her thoughts and opinions both about chess and other topics. Special thanks to Dr. Smith’s time and support for this event.

Author: Sophie Zhang

Editor: Roy Zhu

Photo: Phil and Leo