Vaishali’s unstoppable momentum has fully returned. Following a sluggish start to the 2026 FIDE Candidates in Cyprus, India’s R. Vaishali has orchestrated a stunning turnaround, dismantling compatriot Divya Deshmukh in just 31 moves to seize a share of the lead in the Women’s section.
As the tournament enters its final five rounds, Vaishali sits at the summit alongside China’s Zhu Jiner. Meanwhile, in the Open section, the "Uzbek Phenom" Javokhir Sindarov has shifted to a defensive strategy, securing his second successive draw to maintain a commanding, yet shrinking, lead over a surging Anish Giri.
The all-Indian clash between Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh was expected to be a tactical battle, but it turned into a masterclass in domination. Wielding the White pieces (Reti Opening), Vaishali took advantage of Divya's time pressure and a central misjudgment on move 17.
The game concluded with a flourish that left engines and spectators in awe. Over the space of five moves, Vaishali offered two consecutive rook sacrifices. While Divya accepted the first, the second offer on move 28 (to the b1 square without any immediate material compensation) forced the realization that the game was unsalvageable.
| Section | Rank | Player | Points | Round 9 Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s | 1-2 | R. Vaishali (IND) | 5.5 | Won vs Divya |
| Women’s | 1-2 | Zhu Jiner (CHN) | 5.5 | Won vs Lagno |
| Open | 1 | Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) | 7 | Drew vs Blübaum |
| Open | 2 | Anish Giri (NED) | 5.5 | Won vs Caruana |
| Open | 3-5 | Fabiano Caruana (USA) | 4.5 | Lost vs Giri |
In the Open section, R. Praggnanandhaa’s campaign continues to stall. Despite holding an edge against Wei Yi, the 20-year-old Indian was unable to convert, resulting in his sixth draw of the tournament.
The highlight of the day was the appearance of two-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi in the commentary booth. Nepomniachtchi didn't hold back, questioning Pragg’s recent opening choices.
Maybe Pragg got some time machine and thinks it’s 2016 when all those ideas were fresh... You don’t opt for these lines because they are so well-known. I’m not in a position to judge; I’m a tourist. But as a tourist, I have my not-very-humble opinion.Ian Nepomniachtchi
While Sindarov (7/9) has begun playing safe chess to protect his lead, Anish Giri has emerged as the most credible threat. With back-to-back wins, including a Round 9 takedown of Fabiano Caruana, the Dutchman has climbed to 5.5 points. If Sindarov continues to prioritize draws, Giri is now within striking distance if he can maintain this hot streak.
Vaishali streak: After slumping to 6th place in Round 5, Vaishali has scored 3.5 points in her last four games (3 wins, 1 draw).
Clock domination: Vaishali held a 20-minute advantage over Divya as early as move 12, highlighting her superior preparation in the Reti.
Muzychuk’s slide: Former leader Anna Muzychuk has now let two winning positions slip in consecutive rounds, falling a full point behind the leaders.
Open section logjam: Behind Sindarov and Giri, a group of three players, Caruana, Nakamura, and Wei Yi, are tied at 4.5, effectively fighting for a podium finish.
With only five rounds remaining, the pressure in Pegeia is reaching a boiling point. For R. Vaishali, the goal is to maintain the streaky momentum that has defined her career. For Javokhir Sindarov, the mission is simpler: avoid a defeat. As round 10 approaches tonight, all eyes will be on the high-stakes clash between Sindarov and Praggnanandhaa, where the Indian must win to keep his slim title hopes alive.