Vladivostok is the host city for 2nd phase of Women’s World Championship
Vladivostok, Russia is the city for the second half of the Women’s World Chess Championship Match between Ju Wenjun and Aleksandra Goryachkina. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony, speeches and followed by a concert.
Vera Scherbina, Vice-Governor of Primorsky, had this to say. “Vladivostok is not only a commercial but also a cultural and sports capital of the region” “We are happy to host such a large-scale event. There are over 3,000 chess lovers here, and that is why it is a major event for us.”
Arkady Dvorkovich, the FIDE President
Arkady Dvorkovich, the FIDE President, welcomed the guests and thanked all the sponsors of the event. These included Government of the Primorsky Region, Far Eastern Federal University, Gidrostroy and all the Chinese sponsors. He further went on to thank the chess federations of both Russia China for helping to organise the Championship.
“The whole world is watching the Match with great interest. I think that this event will help promote chess in this wonderful region. We will do our best to create comfortable conditions for both players. I declare the second part of the Women’s World Championship Match open”, he added.
Wang Xiaochun, Deputy General Consul of China
Wang Xiaochun, Deputy General Consul of China in Vladivostok, expressed his gratitude to the organisers and partners. “Such sporting events enrich friendly relations between China and Russia”, he said. “Chess is very popular in both countries, and the Russian and Chinese take leading positions in the world chess rating lists. This Match demonstrates the strength and high level of our players. I wish success to both participants.”
Nigel Short FIDE Vice-President
FIDE Vice-President Nigel Short described the on-going Match as a fascinating chess battle. He encouraged the younger fans to come and experience it in person. “I welcome all chess fans to come to see the Match with their own eyes and take part in the side events,” he said. “These impressions will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Alexander Verkhovsky, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Gidrostroy, general sponsor of the Match, sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests:
“We are witnessing a unique contest. Just like all chess games lies it’s beauty and power. Chess is above and beyond time and politics. Chess unites. It makes us all one family. Here’s to hoping that this Women’s World Championship Match will go down in history as a prime example of great sportsmanship and friendship between two great chess nations”.
Gidrostroy
Gidrostroy is the largest fishery company in the Far East in terms of overall production. It’s subsidiary businesses include all fishery-related operations such as oceanic and coastal fishing, and sales of fish products.
Vera Scherbina and Wang Xiaochun later pushed the buttons of a legendary clock to launch the second part of the Championship. This clock, was used during the 1958 World Championship played between Mikhail Botvinnik and Vasily Smyslov in Moscow.
Ju and Goryachkina both promised to play their best games for the chess fans. “We have had very intense games, and, so far, the match is proving to be extremely interesting,” Ju said. “I believe my strength comes from being a more experienced player, while my opponent is younger and is very motivated.”
Goryachkina confirmed her strong motivation. “I will give it my all,” she said. “The match is now tied and its an indication that we are almost equal.”
The Match will resume with the seventh game on 16th January and Ju Wenjun will have the White pieces. The score is equal at 3 to 3 points.
Summary of the match
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. Ju Wenjun won Game Four while Aleksandra Goryachkina won Game Five. Game Six ended in a draw.
