2020 Women’s Chess Championship: Game #5
10th January 2020
Goryachkina strikes back in the fifth game of the match, and leaves the score in 2½ – 2½ after 5 games #WomenChessMatch pic.twitter.com/OipoY2ievn
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) January 11, 2020
Aleksandra Goryachkina leveled the score just after falling behind after yesterday’s loss. This gives her a psychological boost after the match moves to Russia. It was also her first win against Ju Wenjun.
Ju surprised Goryachkina with 1.e4 in game 2 and the Russian had a surprise of her own with 1.c4!? They entered a sharp line in the English, but Ju was up to the task and achieved a comfortable position. However, after a forcing sequence of moves after 16.Qb5+, the Chinese player ended up exposing her king and losing the exchange for a pawn. While the commentators felt the position was grim, Ju actually had her chance to steal 1/2-point.
She was able to create counterplay with and advanced d-pawn which tied up the white rooks. However, instead of playing 34…Nc4 tying up white to the defense against advancing the pawn, Ju played 34…Nc6?? allowing white time to corral the pawn and readying to push her own pawns. Very unfortunate mistake by the champion and the match is now level.
Video by FIDE
Match Score: Ju 2½ – Goryachkina 2½
Official Site: https://wwcm2020.fide.com/
Match Regulations: https://handbook.fide.com/ (PDF)
Games (ChessBase): http://live.chessbase.com/watch/FIDE-WWCC-2020
Drum Coverage: https://www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2020/01/05/2019-womens-chess-championship-ju-vs-goryachkina/