China’s Ju Wenjun won the Women's Chess World Championships for the second time today ©Ugra 2018

China’s Ju Wenjun retained her Women’s World Chess Championship title after she beat Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in a tie-break today.

Today’s action at the Ugra Chess Academy in the Russian town of Khanty-Mansiysk saw the players face off in two 25-minute “rapid” games and two 10-minute “blitz” matches.

Among the fans watching the contest were Russia's Deputy Minister of Sport Sergey Kosilov and the World Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich.

The first two 25-minute contests ended in draws, but the first shorter game was won by Wenjun following a mistake from her opponent.

Kateryna Lagno, left, has qualified for the Women's Candidates Tournament next year ©Ugra 2018
Kateryna Lagno, left, has qualified for the Women's Candidates Tournament next year ©Ugra 2018

The defending champion won a pawn and was able to gradually build from there.

In the second short game Wenjun took full control, taking Lagno’s queen before sealing the win.

Although Lagno lost, she does qualify for next years Women’s Candidates Tournament, with the winner going on to face Wenjun.