R. Vaishali's Historic Victory: 2026 FIDE
Women's Candidates Tournament
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Indian Grandmaster R
Vaishali secured a historic victory at the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates
Tournament, earning the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun
for the Women’s World Chess Championship later this year.
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The 24-year-old’s triumph
marks a remarkable rise, as she entered the tournament as the lowest-rated
participant and emerged as the winner with a composed and determined
performance.
¨ FIDE Candidates
Tournament determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship.
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R Vaishali is among
India’s leading women chess players and a Grandmaster.
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Ju Wenjun of China is the
reigning Women’s World Chess Champion.
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India has emerged as a
strong global force in chess in recent years.
Decisive Final Round Victory
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Vaishali sealed the title
with a crucial win in the final round against Kateryna Lagno, displaying
exceptional control with the white pieces.
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Her preparation paid off
as the opening unfolded exactly as planned, allowing her to gain an early
advantage.
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She maintained a steady
grip through the middlegame and executed a series of precise moves around the
time control phase, ensuring she did not relinquish her lead at any critical
moment.
Tournament Journey and Turning Points
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This was Vaishali’s
second appearance at the Candidates, having previously finished joint second in
2024 with 7.5 points. In 2026, she improved her tally by a full point to clinch
the position.
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Key moments included her
games against Tan Zhongyi, where she capitalised on an opponent’s error in one
and held a difficult position in the other.
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Additionally, compatriot
Divya Deshmukh’s timely draw against Bibisara Assaubayeva in the final round
ensured Vaishali’s victory margin.
