Qianyun Gong - Woman Grandmaster Extraordinaire
Meet Qianyun Gong, also known in the online arena by the cheeky moniker SayonaraPonytail. A Woman Grandmaster (WGM) titled by FIDE, Qianyun is a force to be reckoned with on the chessboard, gracefully weaving tactical wizardry and resilience into every game. Unlike most, Qianyun's playstyle combines relentless endgame precision (with an 88% endgame frequency) and a knack for turning lost positions into triumphs, boasting a remarkable 90.66% comeback rate. Simply put, when the chips are down, Qianyun doesn't just fight back; she launches a full-scale counterattack.
Having reached a blistering peak blitz rating of 2707 in June 2025, and an electric bullet rating high of 2610 the year prior, Qianyun is a speed demon who thrives under time pressure. Her blitz victories are numerous (475 wins!), but she’s no slouch in bullet either, with 146 wins to her name. If you ever want to catch her at her best, tune in around 11 PM — that's when she’s statistically most unstoppable, boasting a surreal 100% win rate at 11 PM!
Master of Openings (and Puns)
Qianyun’s repertoire is as mysterious as her nickname suggests. Dominating the “Top Secret” opening system with a nifty 51% win rate across 757 blitz games, she keeps opponents guessing with a blend of classical and Sicilian defenses - the Sveshnikov and Pelikan variations bow before her strategic prowess. Additionally, her Caro-Kann Defense Advance Tal Variation boasts a thumping 66.67% win rate – a nod to tactical boldness and relentless pressure.
On the Board and Off
Qianyun’s psychological resilience is notable; she’s not one to tilt easily, with a low tilt factor of 8, and a near-perfect record of maintaining composure after losing material. Her average games are long, averaging about 77 moves in wins and 84 in losses, showing a love for deep, thoughtful battles rather than quick fireworks (unless it’s blitz, where she’s lightning fast).
Not just a competitor but a performer, her longest winning streak is a magnificent 13 straight victories, hinting at brutal consistency punctuated by the occasional human moment (her longest losing streak stands at 8). But hey, even grandmasters lose now and then, right?
Recent Highlights
In her latest blitz conquest on June 3, 2025, Qianyun, playing as SayonaraPonytail, delivered a dazzling display of skill and patience, outmaneuvering her opponent Cobysters to win by resignation after a grueling 69-move battle. If you want to study how to turn a symmetrical English Opening into a masterpiece of control and pressure, this game is a must-see.
Fun Fact
Despite her serious prowess, Qianyun might secretly trade queens for a ponytail tie in a blitz game—because sometimes, even chess legends have to say "Sayonara, Ponytail!"
Watch out chess world, Qianyun Gong is here to play—and stay!