Fast Chess, Big Drama: The Women's Quarterfinals Start Today

Chess can feel slow and quiet. But not this week. Right now, some of the best women players in the world are playing chess at lightning speed. The clock is short. The moves fly. And today, July 16, the fight gets even harder. The quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Speed Chess Championship begin.

Let me tell you what just happened, and what to watch for today.

What is speed chess?

In normal chess, players can think for a long time. In speed chess, they cannot. They must move fast. In this event, each match uses three fast time controls: 5+1, then 3+1, then 1+1. That last one is called "bullet." Players get only one minute for the whole game, plus one second each move. It is wild. Pieces move so fast it is hard to follow. One small mistake, and the game is over.

Sixteen players started this event. It is a knockout. Win, and you go on. Lose, and you go home. The total prize money is $75,000.

A big win and a big surprise

The last round of 16 finished on Monday, and it gave us two great stories.

First, the giant. GM Hou Yifan is the number-one woman in the world. She played IM Dinara Wagner and did not slow down. She won the match 13.5 to 2.5. In the bullet part, she won all six games. That is a strong message to everyone still in the field.

Then, the surprise. Many people thought IM Polina Shuvalova would beat WGM Anastasia Avramidou. Shuvalova led for most of the match. But Avramidou did not give up. She fought back in the bullet games and won the match 7.5 to 6.5. In chess, we love these moments. The underdog can always shock the favorite.

Here are some of the round of 16 results:

Who plays today

The first quarterfinal is today: GM Divya Deshmukh vs. GM Bibisara Assaubayeva. Both won their last match by a huge score. Divya was almost perfect, winning 14 to 1. Assaubayeva also looked very strong. So this match should be a real battle. Two young stars, both in great form.

More big matches are coming too. Hou Yifan will face GM Anna Muzychuk. Avramidou, the giant-killer, will play GM Kateryna Lagno. And former world champion GM Ju Wenjun is still in the race as well.

Why this is fun to watch

You do not need to be a chess expert to enjoy this. Speed chess is pure drama. The clock is always ticking. A player can be winning one second and losing the next. You feel the pressure, even from your chair.

The games are shown live on Twitch and YouTube, with friendly experts to help you follow along. So if you want to see brave players, fast fights, and maybe another surprise, today is a good day to watch.

The board is set. The clocks are ready. Let the quarterfinals begin.