R Vaishali Creates History By Becoming First India To Win Women's Candidates

India's R Vaishali on Wednesday won the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026, earning her the chance to compete for the World Championship against Ju Wenjun later this year. The 24-year-old secured her win in dramatic style, defeating Kateryna Lagno 8.5/14 in the final round with white pieces. She played calmly and effectively, finishing half a point ahead of the competition. This victory marked an incredible turnaround; she had started the tournament as one of the lowest-rated players. Vaishali's journey mirrored D Gukesh's fairytale run in 2024, when he also overcame the odds to win the Candidates.