FIDE Candidates 2026: Round 12 LIVE Updates – Vaishali Leads the Charge as Praggnanandhaa Seeks Redemption

FIDE Candidates 2026 LIVE Updates: Round 12 – Vaishali Leads the Charge as Praggnanandhaa Seeks Redemption

Cyprus, April 12, 2026 – The tension is palpable as the 12th round of the FIDE Candidates Tournament unfolds in Cyprus. Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa is determined to break his 10-game winless streak, facing off against Russia’s Andrey Esipenko. Meanwhile, all eyes are on his elder sister, R Vaishali, who currently leads the women’s section with 7 points and is set to clash with China’s Zhu Jiner in a pivotal match that could determine the challenger for reigning world champion Ju Wenjun later this year.

Praggnanandhaa’s Quest for Victory

Praggnanandhaa, who started the tournament strong with a victory over Dutch GM Anish Giri, has struggled since, suffering three defeats, including a setback against current leader Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan. As he prepares to face Esipenko, who sits at the bottom of the standings with just 4 points, the young Indian prodigy is eager to turn his fortunes around.

Vaishali’s Historic Pursuit

On the other hand, Vaishali’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After a rocky start with no wins in the first five rounds, she has surged back with four victories in her last six games, including a crucial win against Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11. Her upcoming match against Zhu Jiner is not just a battle for points; it could be a historic moment for Indian chess if she secures the top spot in the Women’s Candidates.

Divya Deshmukh’s Challenge

In the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh is also in the mix, currently tied for fourth place with Goryachkina after amassing 5 points. She faces Tan Zhongyi in another India-China showdown, adding to the excitement of the day.

The Stakes Are High

Vaishali’s potential victory would mark a significant milestone, making her the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates. This follows the historic achievement of her brother, D Gukesh, who became the youngest winner in the tournament’s history two years ago in Toronto.

As the matches unfold, fans and chess enthusiasts alike are eagerly following the live updates, hoping for thrilling games and perhaps a historic moment for Indian chess. Stay tuned for the latest results and standings as the drama of Round 12 continues to unfold.