(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s R Vaishali has made history by becoming the third Indian player to qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women Candidates tournament. The talented chess grandmaster defended her FIDE Grand Swiss title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday, clinching the spot with a strong performance.
Vaishali wrapped up the tournament with eight points from 11 rounds, tying with Russia’s Kateryna Lagno. But she edged ahead on tie-breaks to keep her title and secure her place in the prestigious Women Candidates event. This exciting win puts her in line to challenge for the Women’s World Chess Championship.
She’s joining fellow Indians Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, who already earned their spots earlier. Back in July, Divya grabbed headlines by winning the FIDE Women World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. She defeated Humpy 2.5-1.5 in the tie-breaks to become the first Indian woman to claim the title. During that event, Divya also became only the fourth Indian woman chess grandmaster.
The Women Candidates tournament is a big deal in the chess world—it gives the winner a shot at facing China’s five-time world champion Ju Wenjun for the ultimate crown. Indian chess fans are buzzing with excitement as more homegrown stars shine on the global stage!
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
