US EditionVaishali's Path to Women’s Candidates Title: How Chennai Grandmaster Defied the Odds to Make History for India
Vaishali became the first Indian to win the title after beating Kateryna Lagno, while Bibisara Assaubayeva drew with Divya Deshmukh.
- On Wednesday, Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu won the FIDE Women's Candidates tournament by defeating Russia's Kateryna Lagno in the final round.
- After a difficult start, Vaishali rebounded from a loss to Zhu Jiner, securing four wins and two draws between rounds 6 and 11.
- Crucial support came from Divya Deshmukh, who held co-leader Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw, preventing a Thursday tie-break situation.
- The victory grants Vaishali the right to challenge defending world champion Ju Wenjun for the Women's World Chess Championship title.
- Vaishali becomes the first Indian woman to compete for the crown in 15 years, following Koneru Humpy, who challenged Hou Yifan in Tirana in 2011.
22 Articles
22 Articles
R Vaishali creates history, becomes first Indian to win FIDE Women's Candidates
R Vaishali created history in Cyprus to become the first Indian to win the FIDE Women's Candidates. She defeated Kateryna Lagno to win the second-most prestigious tournament and will now challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women's World Championship crown.
Vaishali's path to Women’s Candidates title: How Chennai Grandmaster defied the odds to make history for India
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali scripted a stunning comeback to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026, defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round to qualify for the World Championship against Ju Wenjun.
R Vaishali Wins FIDE Women's Candidates, To Challenge Ju Wenjun For World Championship
R Vaishali, who tallied a total of 8.5 points, followed in the footsteps of Koneru Humpy by winning the Women's Candidates tournament. She will take on China’s Ju Wenjun in the World Championship match later in 2026
Bittersweet moment: Watch Pragg celebrate sister Vaishali's historic Candidates win
An emotional R Vaishali celebrated with her family members after winning the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, sealing a historic title and a place in the World Championship. For R Praggnanandhaa, the celebrations carried a bittersweet note after his disappointing campaign in the tournament.
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