FIDE Candidates: Vaishali Loses Round 12, Praggnanandhaa Draws in Intense Tournament The 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Indian players faced setbacks in the Women’s and Open sections. In the Women’s Candidates, Vaishali lost her Round 12 game to China’s Zhu Jiner, ending her sole lead and creating a two-way tie at the top. Both Vaishali and Zhu Jiner now share 7 points, setting up a thrilling final stretch of the tournament with only two rounds remaining. Vaishali’s loss was particularly impactful, as she had previously held a commanding position. The game, which she played with white pieces, ended in a blunder that allowed Zhu to secure the win. This result has significant implications for the women’s championship, as both players now face the challenge of overtaking their rivals in the final stages. Meanwhile, Divya Deshmukh, who had been placed joint second-last in the standings, suffered a loss to Tan Zhongyi, the bottom-placed player. This move left both Deshmukh and Zhongyi tied at 5 points, effectively eliminating them from contention for the title. The Women’s Candidates tournament has now entered its penultimate round, with Vaishali set to face Tan Zhongyi and Divya Deshmukh taking on Kateryna Lagno. Vaishali will need to maintain her composure and secure outright victories in her remaining matches to challenge for the title. The competition has been described as an intense race, with multiple players vying for the final spots. The standings after Round 12 reflect the tight race at the top. Anna Muzychuk and Bibisara Assaubayeva both sit at 6.5 points, just 0.5 behind Vaishali and Zhu Jiner. Kateryna Lagno and Aleksandra Goryachkina follow at 5.5 points, while Deshmukh remains at 5.#divya_deshmukh #zhu_jiner #vaishali #tan_zhongyi #kateryna_lagno
