a rameshbabu

Indian chess prodigy Vaishali Rameshbabu inspires young minds with her dedication and perseverance. Her historic FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 win highlights that hard work, learning from losses, and humility are key to achieving dreams and breaking barriers.

12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia is gaining recognition as a rising chess talent. Alongside his on-board progress, his structured social media content has attracted prominent followers, including Judit Polgar and D Gukesh's coach, Vishnu Prasanna. Supported by his family and guided by top coaching, Aarav is building momentum toward his long-term goal of achieving the Grandmaster (GM) title.

“I’m really happy for both Vaishali and Pragg. I’m trying to surprise Vaishali; I hope she doesn’t know that I’m coming,” Ramesh told TOI.

In the running for the title, there are three contenders: India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu, Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva, and China’s Zhu Jiner. Vaishali and Bibisara currently lead with 7.5/13 points, followed by Jiner on 7/13. The math is simple yet somewhat disquieting. If Vaishali and Bibisara both win their final games, they head into a tie-break on Thursday.

India is set to witness a historic chess moment as young prodigies Dommaraju Gukesh and Vaishali Rameshbabu vie for World Championship titles. Gukesh is the reigning champion, while Vaishali faces the formidable Ju Wenjun. FIDE is now seeking bids for host cities, with a potential for both matches to be held concurrently, creating an unprecedented dual championship event.

Former Chinese world women’s champion Tan Zhongyi did compatriot Zhu Jiner a huge favour by playing passively and holding Vaishali Rameshbabu to a draw in the women’s Candidates in Paphos, Cyprus, on Tuesday.Tan held Vaishali in just 34 moves by repetition.

R Vaishali created history by winning the 2026 Women’s Candidates, earning the right to challenge China’s reigning champion Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Chess Championship crown. She beat Kateryna Lagno in the final round after Divya Deshmukh held Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw. Vaishali now faces reigning champion Ju Wenjun and is guaranteed €28,000 plus additional bonuses.

India's Vaishali Rameshbabu suffered a significant setback in the FIDE Candidates, losing to China's Zhu Jiner and relinquishing her sole lead. The Women's section is now wide open with both players tied at the top. Meanwhile, Javokhir Sindarov is on the cusp of becoming the challenger in the Open section, needing just a draw in his next match.

Vaishali Rameshbabu has become the women's world championship challenger after a dramatic win in Cyprus. Five-time world champion Vishy Anand praised her excellent preparation and resilience, calling it a proud moment for Indian chess. Vaishali attributed her comeback to focusing on game quality after earlier shaky performances.

Vaishali Rameshbabu’s journey to the Women’s Candidates title wasn’t easy. After a poor run in Chennai shattered her confidence, she even considered skipping the Grand Swiss. A crucial two-hour call with Karthikeyan Murali changed her mind. A mental reset helped her win the event, regain form, and now she prepares to face world champion Ju Wenjun.

R Vaishali secured a remarkable victory at the Candidates, overcoming Kateryna Lagno to earn a spot in the World Championship match. Her triumph, achieved as the lowest-rated player in the field, signifies her emergence from her brother Praggnanandhaa's shadow, fulfilling her ambition to forge her own legacy in chess.

Playing with the black pieces in Round 11 on Saturday, she claimed a jaw-dropping win over the former World Championship challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina.

Playing white pieces while chasing a result, players often get greedy and make more adventurous, attacking moves on the board, weakening their defence in the process. Vaishali had white pieces. She was up against Russia's Kateryna Lagno, a mother of four and quite brilliant at keeping a poker face on the table. Vaishali had to be brave to overcome the challenge posed by the veteran, and she did so with a clinical precision that belied the stakes.

Youngest World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov is on the cusp of Candidates glory, needing just a draw to secure the title after an effortless draw with Hikaru Nakamura. He maintains an unbeaten run and leads by two points, setting up a potential Generation Z clash with D Gukesh.

India's Vaishali Rameshbabu leads the FIDE Candidates 2026 women's section after a draw in the 10th round, showcasing impressive form. However, compatriots Divya Deshmukh and R Praggnanandhaa faced setbacks. Divya's endgame collapse likely ended her championship hopes, while Praggnanandhaa's tactical misstep against Sindarov cost him dearly, impacting India's overall challenge.

Harika Dronavalli clarified viral handshake incident with Nodirbek Yakubboev, saying there was no disrespect. He had pre-informed her he cannot do handshakes due to religious beliefs, and her instinctive resignation gesture caused confusion. She urged social media not to blame him. Similar past incidents exist with Vaishali Rameshbabu. Harika stressed mutual respect and focus on chess, despite controversy overshadowing results.

Indian chess saw mixed fortunes at the FIDE Candidates 2026. Divya Deshmukh surged to the top of the Women's leaderboard with a stunning victory over Anna Muzychuk, while R Praggnanandhaa's World Championship hopes dimmed after a crucial loss. Vaishali Rameshbabu drew her match, setting up an exciting all-Indian clash in the next round.

Indian chess sensation R Vaishali secured a commanding victory over compatriot Divya Deshmukh at the Women's Candidates, seizing a co-lead. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa faced another draw, struggling to convert his advantage against Wei Yi. In the Open section, Javokhir Sindarov leads the pack with 7/9 points. The tournament continues with crucial pairings in both sections.

In a nation where only four women have ever earned the GM title, 35-year-old Harika remains one of its most enduring pillars. As her compatriots prepare for the traditional grind of World Championship cycles, Harika has qualified for the inaugural FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess World Championship, which is set to take place next year.