Ju Wenjun bagged a crucial point in game eight today ©FIDE/Stev Bonhage

After a slip up yesterday, defending champion Ju Wenjun bagged a crucial point by defeating Lei Tingjie at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Women's World Championship Match.

Lei misplayed in the endgame of game eight that helped Ju equalise before a rest day tomorrow (July 17).

Ju began calmly by playing 1.Nf3, gaining a small positional advantage.

Lei did well to respond with a 21…a4, but surprisingly went for 28…Nb3 as the game was heading for a technical draw.

That helped put the defending champion in the driving seat in the endgame on top of the time advantage but chose to give her opponent a chance for a save.

Lei Tingjie had a chance for a save in the endgame today ©FIDE/Stev Bonhage
Lei Tingjie had a chance for a save in the endgame today ©FIDE/Stev Bonhage

However, Lei was not able to take advantage of the situation as Ju equalised to make it 4-4.

"I didn’t play precisely and gave chances to my opponent," Lei said.

"I probably deserved to lose."

The FIDE Women's World Championship Match is set to continue on Tuesday (July 18).