Vaishali clinches 2026 Women’s Candidates, targets Ju Wenjun World Championship
Vaishali clinches 2026 Women’s Candidates, targets Ju Wenjun World Championship
R Vaishali wins the 2026 Women’s Candidates with 8.5/14, earning €28,000 plus €2,200 per half-point, taking her prize total beyond €40,000 and earning a World Championship clash with Ju Wenjun.
Delhi: Vaishali’s historic run in the 2026 Women’s Candidates concluded with an 8.5/14 score, earning her the coveted title and a place in the Women’s World Championship match against Ju Wenjun. In Cyprus, her performance secured a winner’s prize of €28,000, and she also collects €2,200 for every half-point she gained along the way, pushing her earnings beyond €40,000. Vaishali sealed the title by defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round, while Divya Deshmukh’s draw with Bibisara Assaubayeva helped shape the final standings. This victory isn’t just about money; it sets Vaishali up for a high-profile world-title challenge, with the world watching as she steps into a match against the reigning champion Ju Wenjun. The win is a major milestone in Vaishali’s career and a significant moment for Indian chess on the world stage. The tournament’s outcome also underscores the value of consistency across a long, demanding event, as Vaishali’s steady form culminated in a historic triumph and a forthcoming world-title showdown.
