Ju won with the normally more disadvantageous black pieces in Vladivostok and has taken the lead in the overall match, 5½-4½.

With just two games to go, Goryachkina is now running out of time to take the title from her opponent.

Today's 10th game looked set for a draw but the Russian erred by making risky moves as she tried to press home the advantage of playing with the white pieces.

She was punished by the Chinese as Goryachkina also struggled with the clock.

The overall match has been turned on its head as the challenger led 4½-3½ going into the last two games.

Experts agreed that Goryachkina also missed a chance to win yesterday's game nine, which would likely have put her out of sight.

Ju has now won three games, with Goryachkina claiming two victories among five draws.

After a rest day tomorrow, game 11 will be played on Wednesday (January 22) with Ju using the white pieces. 

The final game is scheduled for Thursday (January 23) and tiebreakers will be held if necessary.

Ju had home advantage for the first six games in Shanghai, before the Championship moved to Vladivostok in Russia.

Whoever wins the 2020 title will earn €500,000 (£426,000/$554,000) - the biggest prize ever awarded in a women's chess event.