Vaishali Rameshbabu to Challenge Ju Wenjun for Women’s World Championship Title After FIDE Candidates Victory
Giri and Caruana Secure Wins in Final Round of FIDE Candidates Tournament
Vaishali Rameshbabu to Challenge Ju Wenjun for Women’s World Championship Title
April 15, 2026 — In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, 24-year-old Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu secured her spot in the upcoming Women’s World Championship by defeating Russian GM Kateryna Lagno in the final round. This victory not only crowned Vaishali as the tournament champion but also set the stage for an exciting showdown against reigning world champion, Chinese GM Ju Wenjun.
Vaishali’s decisive win over Lagno was a masterclass in strategy and composure, showcasing her ability to find critical moves under pressure just before the time control. With this victory, she finished the tournament with a commanding lead, eliminating the need for a playoff.
Meanwhile, GM Bibisara Assaubayeva, who was in contention for the title, faced a dramatic encounter against GM Divya Deshmukh. The game ended in a draw, securing Assaubayeva a well-deserved second place in the standings. GM Aleksandra Goryachkina capitalized on Zhu Jiner’s draw against Anna Muzychuk, overtaking her to claim third place after a solid win against GM Tan Zhongyi.
Final Standings of the Women’s Candidates Tournament:
- Vaishali Rameshbabu
- Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Zhu Jiner
In the Open section of the Candidates Tournament, GM Javokhir Sindarov made headlines by finishing with the highest score in Candidates history, amassing an impressive 10 out of 14 points after drawing with GM Wei Yi. Anish Giri and Fabiano Caruana secured second and third places, respectively, both winning their final matches.
Final Standings of the Open Candidates Tournament:
- Javokhir Sindarov
- Anish Giri
- Fabiano Caruana
As the chess world eagerly anticipates the upcoming championship match, Vaishali’s journey to the title has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Her remarkable performance in the Candidates Tournament not only highlights her skill but also marks a significant moment for Indian chess on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and coverage of the final round, including a breakdown of Vaishali’s pivotal game against Lagno.
For those looking to follow the action, the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament can be viewed on Chess24’s YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as through their dedicated events page.
This is a flash report—come back later for full coverage of the final round!