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Vaishali wins the Women’s Candidates, becoming only the second Indian to challenge for the world title — setting up a blockbuster clash with Ju Wenjun.
Vaishali R will now challenge defending champion Ju Wenjun for the women’s world title (X/FIDE)
India’s golden run in chess might just be getting started, and Vaishali Rameshbabu is right at the heart of it.
The Indian GM created history in Cyprus, clinching the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament to book her spot at the Women’s World Chess Championship later this year.
The only person left that’s standing in her way? Reigning world champion Ju Wenjun.
With this triumph, Vaishali becomes only the second Indian woman to challenge for the world title, following Koneru Humpy, who competed for the crown back in 2011.
A Final Round Full of Drama
Heading into the last round, Vaishali didn’t control her own destiny.
She needed two things: a win over Kateryna Lagno and a slip-up from Bibisara Assaubayeva.
The first domino fell when Divya Deshmukh held Bibisara to a crucial draw, cracking the door open. Then, Vaishali did the rest.
With the white pieces, she produced a commanding performance to defeat Lagno and seal the title, finishing on 8.5 points — just half a point ahead of Bibisara in a nail-biting finish.
Stepping Out Of The Shadow
For years, comparisons with her younger brother R Praggnanandhaa followed her closely. But this moment was entirely her own.
Interestingly, Praggnanandhaa endured a tough tournament himself, finishing seventh with just one win in 14 games — his only victory coming in the opening round.
What makes Vaishali’s triumph even more remarkable is where she started: from being one of the lowest-rated players in the field to emerging as champion.
It’s a storyline that mirrors D Gukesh’s stunning Candidates win in 2024. Now, Vaishali stands on the brink of something even bigger.
With a shot at the crown against Ju Wenjun, India could realistically have multiple world champions across the chess landscape this year.
April 15, 2026, 10:53 PM IST
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