Ju Wenjun gets a win in game 4
Ju Wenjun, playing White, in game 4 reverted to her usual 1.d4 and both players appeared to be well within their preparations in the ensuing Slav Defense.
With the game moving so quickly, it remained unclear who was better prepared and who was bluffing by playing at a blistering pace. Aleksandra Goryachkina’s unnatural 22…….. Kxf8 further illustrated the point of how comfortable and prepared she either was or wanted her opponent to believe.
Ju had an opportunity to increase pressure with an active 26.Rc6, but chose to exchange the Rooks, opting to play a pleasant endgame with just Queens and Bishops. The White Queen dominated the board on the white squares, while Black had to be patient and careful.
The game seemed to head toward another draw. Goryachkina who was not content with sitting back exchanged Bishops on move 34, creating a long-term weakness on c5.
In the ensuing endgame, Black had to find a precise plan of defence, such as playing f5 but missed it. Ju Wenjun, then found the exact moment to exchange Queens and convert her pawn for an endgame and her first win.
Ju Wenjun v Aleksandra Goryachkina
WIM Ayelen Martinez youtube review of Game 4.
Press Conference
After the game, Goryachkina said that she lost the thread of the game, and was not happy with her play.
Ju was delighted and relieved to get the full point finally and take the lead.
Game One ended in a draw after a marathon 97 move game while the Game Two was a short draw. Game Three ended also ended in a draw after 85 moves.
First symbolic move
Gui Jinsong, director of Mass Sports Department of Shanghai Sports Bureau, and Liu Changle, party Branch Secretary of Shanghai Board and Card Games Administrative Centre, made the first symbolic move of Game 4.
Tomorrow (Friday), is a rest day. Play will resume on Saturday, 10th January January with the 5th game.
