Candidates Chess: Vaishali Extends Lead to One Point R. Vaishali solidified her position as the sole leader in the Women’s Candidates chess tournament by securing a decisive victory over Aleksandra Goryachkina in the 11th round at Pegeia, Cyprus, on Saturday. The win, which came in the final round of the open section, propelled Vaishali to a total of seven points, leaving her with just three rounds remaining in the competition. Her performance underscored her dominance in the event, as she continues to build momentum toward the Women’s World Chess Championship. The match against Goryachkina, a former world champion from Russia, was a critical test for Vaishali. The Indian grandmaster’s victory not only extended her lead but also highlighted her ability to navigate high-pressure encounters. With three rounds left, Vaishali’s tally of seven points places her in a commanding position, though the final standings will depend on her results in the remaining games. The tournament, held in Cyprus, has drawn top-tier players from around the globe, making each round a pivotal moment in the race for the title. Vaishali’s lead was further bolstered by the performance of her fellow Indian competitor, Divya Deshmukh. Deshmukh played a crucial role in maintaining Vaishali’s advantage by holding her strongest rival, Zhu Jiner of China, to a draw. This result prevented Zhu Jiner from gaining ground on Vaishali and kept her in second place with six points. The draw also allowed Anna Muzychuk, a Ukrainian grandmaster, to share the second spot with Zhu Jiner, creating a tight race for the final qualification spots. Zhu Jiner, the second seed in the tournament, had been a formidable opponent throughout the competition. Her draw with Deshmukh, however, left her with six points and a one-point deficit to Vaishali.#divya_deshmukh #zhu_jiner #vaishali #aleksandra_goryachkina #pegeia
