From triumphs in domestic qualifier tournaments to standout performances at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Iranian women chess players are making waves—led by WGM Mobina Alinasab, WIM Anahita Zahedifar, and WIM Mitra Asgharzadeh.
🇮🇷 Domestic Triumphs Secure Spots in International Arena
At the April 2025 Zone 3.1 Women’s Zonal in Iran, Anahita Zahedifar (7.50/9) topped the standings, followed closely by Mitra Asgharzadeh (6.50/9), earning both players qualification to the Women’s World Cup.
🌍 Batumi World Cup: Iranian Contenders on the Rise
The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi features Iran’s top female players:
- WGM Mobina Alinasab (FIDE 2311), Iran’s #1 woman, reached her first ever tiebreak—and emerged victorious! She swept Kazakhstan’s WIM Amina Kairbekova 2–0, then drew ½–½ with top-seed Zhu Jiner in classical play. In a post-match interview she reflected, “That was the first time that I played in the Tie‑Breaks”.
- WIM Anahita Zahedifar showed tenacity in her match, scoring 5 points from 9 in round one—her consistency demonstrated Iran’s depth.
- WIM Mitra Asgharzadeh also competed fiercely in round one, securing solid results in the classical games.
🏅 Past Achievements & Olympic Experience
- Mobina Alinasab made her Olympic debut in 2022, playing on board 1 at Chennai, drawing against strong opponents and establishing herself on the global stage.
- Zahedifar was Iran’s U‑18 Champion, national women’s champ in 2019, and part of Iran’s U‑14 team that won Asian gold—securing valuable youth titles.
- Asgharzadeh, born 2002, claimed the 2022 Iranian Women’s Championship and West Asian Zonal 2023, plus an impressive +7–1 record at the 2022 Chess Olympiad (reserve board).
🔭 What Lies Ahead
- Alinasab, buoyed by tiebreak success, advances to round two with confidence.
- Zahedifar and Asgharzadeh aim to build on their strong starts in upcoming rounds.
- Keep an eye out: Iranian women are primed for breakout performances as the tournament progresses.