Praggnanandhaa Shines in Round One of FIDE Candidates 2026, Caruana Triumphs in High-Stakes Clash

Praggnanandhaa Shocks Giri in Thrilling Start to FIDE Candidates 2026

March 29, 2026

In a stunning opening round of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa made headlines by defeating higher-ranked Dutch player Anish Giri, setting a promising tone for his campaign to challenge for the World Championship title.

The match unfolded with Praggnanandhaa demonstrating exceptional skill, stretching the contest deep into the endgame. After nearly 40 moves, the young Indian prodigy secured a decisive advantage with a crucial pawn lead, effectively neutralizing Giri’s chances of a comeback. This victory not only boosts Praggnanandhaa’s confidence but also positions him as a formidable contender in the tournament.

In the most anticipated clash of the day, American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana triumphed over compatriot Hikaru Nakamura in a chaotic encounter that turned out to be the longest game of the opening round. Caruana’s strategic prowess shone through as he navigated the complexities of the game, leaving Nakamura scrambling for answers.

Elsewhere in the Open section, Uzbek talent Javokhir Sindarov secured a notable victory against Andrey Esipenko, while Wei Yi of China managed to hold Matthias Bluebaum to a draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of the tournament.

In the women’s section, the youngest participant, Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, started strong against Anna Muzychuk. Despite her aggressive opening play, Muzychuk, who entered the tournament just a week prior due to Koneru Humpy’s withdrawal, maintained her composure and neutralized Divya’s threats. The game concluded in a draw, with neither player able to carve out a winning opportunity.

R Vaishali Rameshbabu, competing in her second consecutive Candidates alongside her brother Praggnanandhaa, adopted a cautious strategy against Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva. After finding herself in a precarious position with time running low, Vaishali executed a crucial move just seconds before the clock expired, allowing the game to transition into an add-on time of 30 minutes. Ultimately, the players agreed to a draw as the endgame unfolded.

The all-Chinese matchup between Zhu Jiner and Tan Zhongyi was a rollercoaster of momentum, with Zhu initially pressing hard before Tan seized control in the middlegame. After trading queens, Tan maintained a two-pawn advantage, but the game ended in a draw as both players opted for safety.

Kateryna Lagno also managed to secure a draw against Aleksandra Goryachkina, adding to the day’s competitive atmosphere.

Results from Round 1:

• Open Section:

  • R Praggnanandhaa (Ind) bt Anish Giri (Ned)
  • Fabiano Caruana (USA) bt Hikaru Nakamura (USA)
  • Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb) bt Andrey Esipenko (Rus)
  • Matthias Bluebaum (Ger) drew with Wei Yi (Chn)

• Women’s Section:

  • Divya Deshmukh (Ind) drew with Anna Muzychuk (Ukr)
  • R Vaishali Rameshbabu (Ind) drew with Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kaz)
  • Kateryna Lagno (Rus) drew with Aleksandra Goryachkina (Rus)
  • Zhu Jiner (Chn) drew with Tan Zhongyi (Chn)

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa and his fellow competitors as they vie for the chance to challenge for the prestigious World Championship title.