The Candidates Tournament 2026 has reached its halfway mark, with seven rounds completed. This tournament is pivotal in determining who will challenge Gukesh for the World Chess Championship. Notably, the dynamics of the competition have shifted compared to last year’s event in Canada. In 2024, the women’s category was heavily dominated by Tan Zhongyi, while the Open category concluded with Gukesh needing a draw from the match between Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi to secure his title.

In contrast, the current edition of the tournament appears to favour Javokhir Sindarov in the Open category, where he has established a lead over the other competitors. However, the women’s section remains highly competitive, particularly with Vaishali Rameshbabu’s recent performances, which have brought her within striking distance of the leader, Anna Muzychuk.

Indian chess enthusiasts are closely monitoring the progress of their representatives in these categories. In the Open section, Praggnanandhaa faces a challenging scenario, needing up to six wins from the remaining rounds to remain in contention.

Vaishali’s Momentum and Recent Achievements

Vaishali Rameshbabu’s performance has been noteworthy as she has showcased both strategic preparation and tactical prowess throughout the tournament. Despite a setback in Round 5 against Zhu Jiner, where a crucial error led to her defeat, she rebounded impressively in subsequent rounds.

In Round 6, after her loss, Vaishali adopted the King’s Pawn opening, alongside the Berlin Defence, which positioned her favourably in the match against Kateryna Lagno. Benefiting from her opponent’s time pressure, Vaishali capitalised on critical mistakes, resulting in her securing a vital victory.

Round 7 saw a continuation of her winning streak, as again she utilised the King’s Pawn opening. Even when faced with pressure, a mistake from Tan Zhongyi allowed Vaishali to seize control and achieve her second consecutive win, reinforcing her status as a serious contender.

Challenges for Praggnanandhaa and Divya Deshmukh

Praggnanandhaa, after showing promise in early rounds, now finds himself needing to significantly recover in the latter half of the tournament. His previous matches have been marked by critical moments where errors have cost him valuable points, particularly in his encounter with Sindarov, who remains relentless in his quest for the title.

Divya Deshmukh has also faced challenges despite an encouraging win against Bibisara Assaubayeva. This victory was especially significant following a series of less favourable results. However, her inability to convert promising positions into victories has become a recurring theme in this tournament.

In a long and taxing match against Lagno, Divya held a positional advantage but faltered during critical moments, ultimately settling for a draw when victory was within reach. This trend highlights the unpredictable nature of chess, where fortunes can shift dramatically in an instant.

Outlook for the Remaining Rounds

As the tournament progresses, the possibility of a Sindarov versus Gukesh match for the World Championship increasingly looms, especially given Sindarov’s commanding performance. His current trajectory resembles that of past champions, potentially positioning him to break records for points accumulated during the tournament.

With the focus now shifting towards the final rounds, both Vaishali’s and Praggnanandhaa’s futures in the tournament remain uncertain. While Vaishali’s ascent is refreshing for Indian chess, the fading hopes for an all-Indian final are becoming apparent. The dynamics within both categories will undoubtedly keep chess enthusiasts anticipating the remaining rounds.

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