FIDE Candidates 2026: Sindarov Dominates While Women’s Section Spirals into Chaos
In a tournament marked by brilliance and blunders, the chess world watches as Javokhir Sindarov solidifies his frontrunner status, while the Women’s category becomes a battleground of missed opportunities and dramatic errors.
Javokhir Sindarov Dominates FIDE Candidates 2026, While Women’s Section Spirals into Chaos
NEW DELHI: As the FIDE Candidates 2026 unfolds in Cyprus, the chess world is buzzing with predictions, and one name stands out: Javokhir Sindarov. The Uzbek prodigy has stormed through the Open section with an impressive 6/7 score, leaving many to speculate if the crown is already being fitted for his head. However, the Women’s category has turned into a dramatic spectacle, where seasoned players are stumbling in a series of blunders.
A Boost for India in Round 7
The Indian contingent found a silver lining in Round 7 at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort on Sunday. Vaishali Rameshbabu celebrated a hard-fought victory against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi, while Divya Deshmukh faced a heartbreaking draw against Kateryna Lagno, despite holding a winning position for most of the game.
Vaishali’s Rollercoaster Victory
Vaishali’s match against Tan Zhongyi was anything but straightforward. Starting with the Pirc Defense, she quickly found herself in a precarious position. Veteran Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay noted, “By move 16, it was much worse for Vaishali. She was in a completely losing position until a blunder from Tan turned the tide.”
The turning point came when Tan made a shocking knight move that allowed Vaishali to claw back into the game. However, it was Tan’s subsequent blunder that handed the victory to the Indian player. “It’s a comedy of errors,” Thipsay remarked, highlighting the unexpected twists that characterized the match.
Divya’s 135-Move Heartbreak
In stark contrast, Divya Deshmukh’s match against Lagno was a test of endurance. Holding a commanding position for most of the game, Divya was a pawn up in a complex endgame. Thipsay had predicted a straightforward victory, but after a grueling 135 moves, Divya was unable to convert her advantage, allowing Lagno to escape with a draw.
“Despite being a pawn up, Divya couldn’t break through Lagno’s defenses,” Thipsay lamented. The missed opportunity left Divya with a bitter taste as she let a crucial point slip away.
Praggnanandhaa Stalls in the Open Section
In the Open section, India’s R Praggnanandhaa faced World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana but could not create any meaningful chances, resulting in a draw. Thipsay’s summary was blunt: “Nothing much happened.” The only excitement came from Anish Giri, who managed to halt Sindarov’s winning streak, showcasing the unpredictability of the tournament.
Looking Ahead
As the players take a rest day on April 6, the Indian challenge stands at a crossroads. Vaishali (3.5/7) and Divya (3/7) are within striking distance of the leader, Anna Muzychuk. However, their reliance on opponent blunders and inability to convert winning positions raises concerns about their consistency.
For India to emerge as serious contenders in the final rounds, the “comedy of errors” must cease, and the clinical precision of champions must take center stage. The chess world will be watching closely as the tournament progresses.
FIDE Candidates Round 7 Results – April 5, 2026
Open Section:
- Andrey Esipenko 0–1 Wei Yi
- Javokhir Sindarov 0.5–0.5 Anish Giri
- Matthias Blübaum 0.5–0.5 Hikaru Nakamura
- R Praggnanandhaa 0.5–0.5 Fabiano Caruana
Women’s Section:
- Anna Muzychuk 0.5–0.5 Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Divya Deshmukh 0.5–0.5 Kateryna Lagno
- Vaishali Rameshbabu 1–0 Tan Zhongyi
- Aleksandra Goryachkina 0.5–0.5 Zhu Jiner
FIDE Candidates Round 8 Pairings – April 7, 2026
Open Section:
- Andrey Esipenko vs. Javokhir Sindarov
- Wei Yi vs. Matthias Blübaum
- Anish Giri vs. R Praggnanandhaa
- Hikaru Nakamura vs. Fabiano Caruana
Women’s Section:
- Anna Muzychuk vs. Divya Deshmukh
- Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Vaishali Rameshbabu
- Kateryna Lagno vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Tan Zhongyi vs. Zhu Jiner
Stay tuned for more updates as the FIDE Candidates 2026 continues to unfold!