Xie Jun

Xie Jun, born on October 30, 1970, is a distinguished Chinese chess grandmaster and a prominent figure in the world of chess. She made history as the first Asian woman to achieve the title of chess grandmaster, a remarkable feat that paved the way for future generations of female players.

Her illustrious career includes two separate reigns as the Women's World Chess Champion, first from 1991 to 1996 and then again from 1999 to 2001. Xie Jun is one of only three women to have held the championship title on two occasions, joining the ranks of notable players such as Elisaveta Bykova and Hou Yifan.

In addition to her achievements on the chessboard, Xie Jun has taken on a leadership role as the current president of the Chinese Chess Association. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond competition, as she actively promotes chess in China and inspires young players.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to chess, Xie Jun was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport's greats.