From Near Withdrawal to Historic Triumph: Vaishali Rameshbabu Reflects on Her Journey to the 2026 Women’s Candidates Championship
From Near Withdrawal to Historic Triumph: Vaishali Rameshbabu Reflects on Her Journey to the 2026 Women’s Candidates Victory
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, R Vaishali Rameshbabu, the newly crowned champion of the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, opened up about her tumultuous journey to victory, revealing the struggles that nearly led her to withdraw from the prestigious event.
Vaishali’s path to triumph was anything but smooth. After a disheartening performance at the Chennai Challengers, where she lost seven consecutive games, the Indian Grandmaster found herself questioning her future in competitive chess. The tournament, held in her hometown, was particularly painful, leaving her feeling exhausted and disheartened.
“I didn’t win a single game, and I lost like seven games in a row. It was a very tough tournament, especially in my home city,” Vaishali recalled. “I thought, ‘What’s the point of playing?’ I felt like I needed a break.”
Despite her doubts, encouragement from friends and family spurred her to participate in the Grand Swiss, a crucial qualification event for the Candidates. “Thanks to people around me, they pushed me to play this tournament,” she said.
Vaishali’s decision to compete paid off spectacularly. With no special preparation, she emerged victorious at the Grand Swiss, paving her way to the Candidates tournament, where she ultimately clinched the title with an impressive score of 8.5 points from 14 games.
Looking Ahead: A Clash with Ju Wenjun
As she prepares for her upcoming world championship match against defending champion Ju Wenjun, Vaishali expressed both excitement and determination. Reflecting on the 2013 World Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen, which took place in Chennai, she shared how that moment inspired her journey.
“I’m super excited because as a kid, I watched the first World Championship match when it was in Chennai. I remember they were playing behind the glass door, and it was a great feeling,” she said. “Now, after many years, I’ll be playing one myself.”
While acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Ju Wenjun, a five-time world champion, Vaishali remains optimistic. “She’s a strong player with a lot of experience, and it’s going to be tough. But I have time to improve my game, and I’ll try to give my best,” she stated.
As anticipation builds for the championship match, FIDE has yet to announce the date and venue for the showdown between Vaishali and Ju Wenjun. However, one thing is clear: Vaishali Rameshbabu’s journey from near withdrawal to a historic triumph is a testament to her resilience and determination, inspiring chess enthusiasts around the world.