Interview with 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) after the conclusion of the Paris City Chess Championship
Nadir Bounzou, Ligue d’Île-de-France des Échecs, Sunday, July 20, 2025
Exclusive interview with 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) after the conclusion of the Paris City Chess Championship.
After the conclusion of the Paris City Chess Championship, we had the pleasure of speaking with 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), International Grandmaster, former Women’s World Champion, and a key figure in the chess world. She discusses her tournament, her impressions of the Parisian chess scene, and her upcoming projects.
Tournament performance & experience
— You faced some tough opposition here. How would you rate your play during the Paris City Chess Championship? Is there a particular game that stood out for you?
— The competition was indeed tough, which was reflected in my performance. Many opponents, especially talented young players, showed great potential. Overall, my play revealed a certain lack of practice in classical chess, and the turning point of the tournament for me came in the fifth round against Dudin. He played very well throughout the event, and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his well-deserved victory.
— What were your expectations going into the tournament, and did the competition go as you anticipated?
— My main goal was simply to enjoy the tournament: spend the summer in Paris, combine it with other personal and professional commitments, and get back into the swing of classical chess.
— Can you describe a critical moment or turning point in one of your games that you feel had a significant impact on your final ranking?
— As I mentioned, the key moment occurred in the fifth round. There were several decisive moments in that game, which required a lot of precision and composure. It was particularly important because it was played on the second day in double round-robin format, which put my physical endurance to the test. This is something I’m still adjusting to, as most of the tournaments I’ve played recently have followed a one-game-per-day schedule, often with rest days.
Nadir Bounzou, Ligue d’Île-de-France des Échecs, Sunday, July 20, 2025
Exclusive interview with 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) after the conclusion of the Paris City Chess Championship.
After the conclusion of the Paris City Chess Championship, we had the pleasure of speaking with 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), International Grandmaster, former Women’s World Champion, and a key figure in the chess world. She discusses her tournament, her impressions of the Parisian chess scene, and her upcoming projects.
Tournament performance & experience
— You faced some tough opposition here. How would you rate your play during the Paris City Chess Championship? Is there a particular game that stood out for you?
— The competition was indeed tough, which was reflected in my performance. Many opponents, especially talented young players, showed great potential. Overall, my play revealed a certain lack of practice in classical chess, and the turning point of the tournament for me came in the fifth round against Dudin. He played very well throughout the event, and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his well-deserved victory.
— What were your expectations going into the tournament, and did the competition go as you anticipated?
— My main goal was simply to enjoy the tournament: spend the summer in Paris, combine it with other personal and professional commitments, and get back into the swing of classical chess.
— Can you describe a critical moment or turning point in one of your games that you feel had a significant impact on your final ranking?
— As I mentioned, the key moment occurred in the fifth round. There were several decisive moments in that game, which required a lot of precision and composure. It was particularly important because it was played on the second day in double round-robin format, which put my physical endurance to the test. This is something I’m still adjusting to, as most of the tournaments I’ve played recently have followed a one-game-per-day schedule, often with rest days.
On the tournament and her opponents
— How did you find the level of competition at the Paris City Chess Championship this year? Were there any newcomers or lesser-known players who impressed you?
— The level was excellent, with a good mix of consummate players and young talents. I was particularly impressed by several young players, particularly those from France and India, as I experienced in my own games. Their creativity and preparation are a testimony to the present richness of the chess world. It’s always inspiring to see the new generation pushing the boundaries of the game.
— How does this tournament compare to other competitions you’ve participated in, in terms of organisation, atmosphere, and difficulty?
— The Paris City Chess Championship stands out for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. The organisers were able to create an environment that was both professional and welcoming, which made the experience very enjoyable. Compared to other tournaments, the emphasis placed here on developing a true chess community, alongside high-level competition, is remarkable. It’s this balance that makes the event so memorable.
— How did you find the level of competition at the Paris City Chess Championship this year? Were there any newcomers or lesser-known players who impressed you?
— The level was excellent, with a good mix of consummate players and young talents. I was particularly impressed by several young players, particularly those from France and India, as I experienced in my own games. Their creativity and preparation are a testimony to the present richness of the chess world. It’s always inspiring to see the new generation pushing the boundaries of the game.
— How does this tournament compare to other competitions you’ve participated in, in terms of organisation, atmosphere, and difficulty?
— The Paris City Chess Championship stands out for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. The organisers were able to create an environment that was both professional and welcoming, which made the experience very enjoyable. Compared to other tournaments, the emphasis placed here on developing a true chess community, alongside high-level competition, is remarkable. It’s this balance that makes the event so memorable.
Personal reflections
— After a busy career combining chess and university teaching, what still motivates you to participate in competitions at this level?
— For me, chess is much more than just a game: it’s a way of thinking, a discipline, and a form of personal expression. Balancing my academic career with chess has given me a unique perspective, where each enriches the other. What motivates me is the infinite potential for growth in chess. Every tournament, every game, brings new challenges, new ideas, and opportunities to learn.
— How do you prepare mentally and strategically for a tournament like the Paris City Chess Championship, given your extensive experience? Will you return to Paris to seek revenge?
— I haven’t done any specific preparation for this tournament, which is often the case for the events I’ve recently participated in. The last time I prepared intensively was for the 19th Asian Games, where I represented my country — a completely different responsibility. As for Paris, I really loved the experience and would be completely open to returning. The city has a very vibrant chess atmosphere, and if the organisers invite me back in the future, it would be a pleasure to return, whether to play or participate in other ways.
— After a busy career combining chess and university teaching, what still motivates you to participate in competitions at this level?
— For me, chess is much more than just a game: it’s a way of thinking, a discipline, and a form of personal expression. Balancing my academic career with chess has given me a unique perspective, where each enriches the other. What motivates me is the infinite potential for growth in chess. Every tournament, every game, brings new challenges, new ideas, and opportunities to learn.
— How do you prepare mentally and strategically for a tournament like the Paris City Chess Championship, given your extensive experience? Will you return to Paris to seek revenge?
— I haven’t done any specific preparation for this tournament, which is often the case for the events I’ve recently participated in. The last time I prepared intensively was for the 19th Asian Games, where I represented my country — a completely different responsibility. As for Paris, I really loved the experience and would be completely open to returning. The city has a very vibrant chess atmosphere, and if the organisers invite me back in the future, it would be a pleasure to return, whether to play or participate in other ways.
Chess and beyond
— You are a strong advocate for women in chess. How do you view the current state of their participation in tournaments like this, and what progress still needs to be made?
— Female participation in chess has grown significantly in recent years, which is very encouraging. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure true equality of opportunity and equal visibility. Mixed events like this are important because they help integrate women into the global competitive landscape and normalise their presence at the highest level.
— Did you have time to enjoy Paris outside of the chess hall? Do you have a favorite moment or place?
— Paris is always a very inspiring city — culturally, historically, and artistically. I was lucky enough to discover some beautiful places with my mother, which made the experience even more special. We particularly enjoyed the Musée d'Orsay, which was simply magnificent, and I was also invited by Almira to a beautiful evening in a cellar restaurant. Paris’s unique blend of art, history, and culture truly leaves a lasting impression.
— What are your plans after this tournament — other competitions, teaching, or perhaps some rest?
— I plan to continue balancing my commitments between chess and higher education. I have a few tournaments coming up, but I also want to take time to reflect and recharge. Whether I’m involved in academia or professional chess, I believe my contributions have a broader impact. By building bridges between different disciplines and communities, I hope to inspire others and expand the influence of chess beyond the strictly competitive sphere.
— You are a strong advocate for women in chess. How do you view the current state of their participation in tournaments like this, and what progress still needs to be made?
— Did you have time to enjoy Paris outside of the chess hall? Do you have a favorite moment or place?
— Paris is always a very inspiring city — culturally, historically, and artistically. I was lucky enough to discover some beautiful places with my mother, which made the experience even more special. We particularly enjoyed the Musée d'Orsay, which was simply magnificent, and I was also invited by Almira to a beautiful evening in a cellar restaurant. Paris’s unique blend of art, history, and culture truly leaves a lasting impression.
— What are your plans after this tournament — other competitions, teaching, or perhaps some rest?
— I plan to continue balancing my commitments between chess and higher education. I have a few tournaments coming up, but I also want to take time to reflect and recharge. Whether I’m involved in academia or professional chess, I believe my contributions have a broader impact. By building bridges between different disciplines and communities, I hope to inspire others and expand the influence of chess beyond the strictly competitive sphere.
(English translation by I, Robot)
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