The biggest prize fund—500,000 euros—in the history of women's world chess championship brings greater emphasis on women's chess and represents a shift in priorities. This Championship commits to a new strategy adopted by FIDE in 2018 of ensuring that the women's championship cycle is similar to the men's.
FIDE VP Nigel Short spoke about the history of championship matches split into games played in different countries. In Shanghai, the players will face-off in six games from January 5 to 12. The second half of this Championship—the remaining six rounds—will be played in Vladivostok, Russia, from January 16 to 23. The tie-break, if needed, and the closing ceremony will be held in Vladivostok on January 24.
In the drawing of lots conducted by Chief Arbiter IA Shohreh Bayat (Iran), Goryachkina picked a white hand fan and will have White in the first round. After the sixth game, colors must be reversed, so Ju Wenjun will play White in games 6 and 7.
Her opponent Ju Wenjun wasn't dismayed and said she became a stronger player in the past two years and feels confident with her hometown advantage.
Game 1 is set for Sunday, January 5, 15:30 (Shanghai time).