R Vaishali Makes History: First Indian to Win Women’s Candidates Tournament

R Vaishali Makes History, Becomes First Indian to Win Women’s Candidates

Cyprus, April 15, 2026 — In a stunning display of skill and determination, Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali triumphed over Russian powerhouse Kateryna Lagno in the final round of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, securing her place as the first Indian woman to win this prestigious event. The victory, achieved in 48 moves while playing as white, not only marks a significant milestone in Vaishali’s career but also sets the stage for her upcoming challenge against China’s Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship later this year.

Entering the final round, Vaishali was tied for the lead with Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva, both holding 7.5 points. The stakes were high, but Vaishali’s confidence soared when compatriot Divya Deshmukh managed to hold Assaubayeva to a draw, paving the way for Vaishali to seize the moment.

While a draw against Lagno would have sufficed for Vaishali to secure the title, she opted for a bold strategy, choosing to play aggressively and ultimately clinching the win. “I wanted to take control of my destiny,” Vaishali stated after her victory. “Every game counts, and I felt ready to fight.”

A Journey of Resilience

Vaishali’s path to this historic win was not without its challenges. The 24-year-old faced a rocky start, remaining winless in her first five rounds, which included four draws and a loss to China’s Zhu Jiner. At one point, she found herself at the bottom of the standings alongside Deshmukh.

However, the tide turned dramatically as Vaishali rebounded with back-to-back victories against Lagno and Tan Zhongyi in the sixth and seventh rounds. She continued her impressive form in the second half of the tournament, defeating Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina while holding Bibisara and Anna Muzychuk to draws.

Despite a setback against Zhu in the penultimate round, Vaishali maintained her composure and secured a draw against Tan, setting the stage for her decisive final match.

Looking Ahead

With her historic win, Vaishali not only cements her place in chess history but also inspires a new generation of players in India and beyond. Her upcoming match against Ju Wenjun promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both players vie for the coveted world title.

As the chess community celebrates Vaishali’s remarkable achievement, the spotlight now shifts to her preparations for the championship. “I’m excited and ready for the challenge ahead,” she remarked, embodying the spirit of a true champion.

This victory is not just a personal triumph for Vaishali but a significant moment for Indian chess, showcasing the growing talent and potential within the country. As she prepares for her world title match, all eyes will be on this trailblazer, who has already made history and aims to create even more.

First Published: April 15, 2026, 22:39 IST