FIDE Candidates 2026 Round 12 LIVE Updates: Javokhir Sindarov Maintains Lead as R Praggnanandhaa Aims for Redemption Against Andrey Esipenko
FIDE Candidates 2026 Round 12 LIVE Updates: Javokhir Sindarov Maintains Lead Amidst High-Stakes Matches
Cyprus, April 12, 2026 – The tension is palpable at the FIDE Candidates Tournament as Round 12 unfolds, with current leader Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan playing to a quick draw against American star Hikaru Nakamura, solidifying his position at the top of the ‘Open’ standings with 9 points. Meanwhile, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa is eager to break his 10-game winless streak as he faces Russia’s Andrey Esipenko in a match featuring the ‘English Opening’.
Praggnanandhaa, who started the tournament with a promising victory over Dutch GM Anish Giri, has struggled since, suffering three defeats, including one against Sindarov. His upcoming match against Esipenko, who currently sits at the bottom of the standings with just 4 points, is crucial for the young Indian to regain his momentum.
In the women’s section, all eyes are on R Vaishali, Praggnanandhaa’s elder sister, who is leading the standings with 7 points. Vaishali’s remarkable turnaround in the tournament has been nothing short of inspiring; after a shaky start with no wins in the first five rounds, she has surged ahead with back-to-back victories, including a significant win over Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11.
A Historic Opportunity for Vaishali
Vaishali’s upcoming match against China’s Zhu Jiner is pivotal, as it could determine the challenger for reigning world champion Ju Wenjun later this year. With Zhu and Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk hot on her heels, Vaishali must maintain her composure to secure her place at the top.
Divya Deshmukh, the other Indian competitor in the women’s section, is also in the mix, currently sharing the fourth spot with Goryachkina after accumulating 5 points. She faces Tan Zhongyi in another crucial India-China clash.
Should Vaishali finish atop the women’s standings, it would mark a historic achievement, making her the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates. This would also continue a remarkable trend for Indian chess, following D Gukesh’s triumph as the youngest winner in the tournament’s history just two years ago in Toronto.
Follow the Action
As the chess pieces move and strategies unfold, fans and enthusiasts can stay updated on the latest results and standings through our live blog. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as these talented players vie for glory in Cyprus. Will Praggnanandhaa find his winning form? Can Vaishali make history? The answers await in the thrilling conclusion of Round 12.