Cyprus: Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali has created a major milestone in her chess career by winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus.
Vaishali secured the tournament title with 8.5 points from 14 games, finishing her campaign with a crucial victory over Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the final round. Her performance throughout the tournament earned her the right to challenge reigning Women’s World Chess Champion Ju Wenjun of China for the world title.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Indian chess and puts Vaishali on the biggest stage in women’s chess. The 24-year-old Grandmaster showed consistency and strong technical play against a highly competitive field during the double round-robin tournament.
Vaishali sets up World Championship clash
With her Candidates victory, Vaishali has become the official challenger for the Women’s World Chess Championship. She will face Ju Wenjun in the upcoming title match later in 2026.
The FIDE Women’s Candidates was held in Cyprus from late March to April 2026, bringing together some of the strongest players in women’s chess. Vaishali emerged at the top after 14 rounds.
Sindarov wins Open Candidates
The Open section also produced a major result. Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov won the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament with 9.5 points, securing first place with a round still to play.
Sindarov’s victory earned him the opportunity to challenge India’s reigning World Champion D Gukesh for the World Chess Championship. He secured the Candidates title after holding Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri to a draw.
The upcoming world championship matches involving Vaishali and Ju Wenjun, and Gukesh and Sindarov, are set to add another major chapter to an increasingly significant period for Indian chess.
Key highlights:
- Winner: R. Vaishali, India
- Tournament: FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026
- Score: 8.5/14
- Final-round opponent: Kateryna Lagno
- World Championship opponent: Ju Wenjun, China
- Open Candidates winner: Javokhir Sindarov, Uzbekistan
- Sindarov’s score: 9.5 points
- World Championship opponent: D Gukesh, India
Source : Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
