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Is R Vaishali the first Indian to qualify for Women’s World Chess Championship final?  India’s R Vaishali clinched the FIDE Candidates 2026 title on Wednesday, after she topped the standing with 8.5 points at the culmination of the final round.Vaishali will now take on China’s Ju Wenjun for the World Chess Championship title, with the clash likely to happen later this year.Is R Vaishali the first Indian to become World Women’s Chess Championship challenger?Vaishali is now the second Indian woman to become a challenger for the ultimate prize in women’s chess. In 2011, Koneru Humpy had qualified for the title clash after topping the FIDE Grand Prix series.Humpy squared off against reigning champion Hou Yifan of China in the World Championship final in Tirana, Albania.The Chinese GM dominated the eight-game tie, winning 5.5-2.5, to retain her title.Published on Apr 15, 2026  #Vaishali #Indian #qualify #Womens #World #Chess #Championship #final

Is R Vaishali the first Indian to qualify for Women’s World Chess Championship final?

India’s R Vaishali clinched the FIDE Candidates 2026 title on Wednesday, after she topped the standing with 8.5 points at the culmination of the final round.

Vaishali will now take on China’s Ju Wenjun for the World Chess Championship title, with the clash likely to happen later this year.

Is R Vaishali the first Indian to become World Women’s Chess Championship challenger?

Vaishali is now the second Indian woman to become a challenger for the ultimate prize in women’s chess. In 2011, Koneru Humpy had qualified for the title clash after topping the FIDE Grand Prix series.

Humpy squared off against reigning champion Hou Yifan of China in the World Championship final in Tirana, Albania.

The Chinese GM dominated the eight-game tie, winning 5.5-2.5, to retain her title.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Vaishali #Indian #qualify #Womens #World #Chess #Championship #final

India’s R Vaishali clinched the FIDE Candidates 2026 title on Wednesday, after she topped the standing with 8.5 points at the culmination of the final round.

Vaishali will now take on China’s Ju Wenjun for the World Chess Championship title, with the clash likely to happen later this year.

Is R Vaishali the first Indian to become World Women’s Chess Championship challenger?

Vaishali is now the second Indian woman to become a challenger for the ultimate prize in women’s chess. In 2011, Koneru Humpy had qualified for the title clash after topping the FIDE Grand Prix series.

Humpy squared off against reigning champion Hou Yifan of China in the World Championship final in Tirana, Albania.

The Chinese GM dominated the eight-game tie, winning 5.5-2.5, to retain her title.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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#Vaishali #Indian #qualify #Womens #World #Chess #Championship #final

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Deadspin | Caleb Wilson bids good-bye to North Carolina, hello to NBA <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28322964.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28322964.jpg" alt="NCAA Basketball: North Carolina at Syracuse" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) shoots prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It turns out Caleb Wilson’s final game with North Carolina occurred on Feb. 10.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The freshman star formally became a one-and-done player by declaring for the NBA draft this week. He’s a likely top-five draft pick.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina,” Wilson said in a video. “Wearing No. 8, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games, and I’m happy to say every day I gave it my all.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The 6-foot-10 Wilson was a second-team All-American and averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 games. He missed the last nine game games due to hand and thumb injuries.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>He fractured his left hand against Miami on Feb. 10. When he was close to returning from that ailment, Wilson broke his right thumb while dunking in practice on March 5 and underwent surgery.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>“This past year has been the most fun year of my life, although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity,” Wilson said in his announcement. “I will always cherish this university and the people that make this place what it is.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>His decision to become a pro comes after North Carolina fired coach Hubert Davis and hired former NBA head coach Michael Malone.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Tar Heels lost 82-78 in overtime to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Caleb #Wilson #bids #goodbye #North #Carolina #NBA

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The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.

Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.

Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.

What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.

RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure">Vaishali overcomes slow start to win Women’s Candidates 2026; Viswanathan Anand hails her composure  The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure

Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure">Vaishali overcomes slow start to win Women’s Candidates 2026; Viswanathan Anand hails her composure

The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.

Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.

Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.

What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.

RELATED | Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners

“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.

She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.

Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.

That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.

It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.

Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.

The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.

“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure
Deadspin | Sal Stewart, Reds keep rolling against woeful Giants  Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Sal Stewart slugged a pair of three-run homers, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz each hit solo shots, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the visiting San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday.  Stewart went deep for the second straight night and has seven homers to lead all rookies. Suarez went 3-for-4 and Spencer Steer had a pair of singles for Cincinnati, which has won three of its last four games.  Reds starter Rhett Lowder (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts over a career-high 6 2/3 innings.  Daniel Susac doubled in two runs and had two hits for San Francisco, which lost its fourth straight.  Cincinnati claimed a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Tyler Mahle (0-3). With two on and one out, Stewart hit a three-run blast on a liner to right-center field. Suarez followed with his third homer, a 349-foot shot to right field.  The Giants responded with two runs in the second inning. Matt Chapman singled with one out, Jung Hoo Lee walked, and both scored on Susac’s double to left field.  Stewart struck again with a three-run homer in the bottom of the second following back-to-back walks to Matt McLain and De La Cruz.   Cincinnati moved ahead 8-2 on De La Cruz’s one-out homer to center in the fourth. The 442-foot blast was his sixth homer of the season.  Mahle gave up eight runs and eight hits with five walks over four innings against his former team.  Left-hander Brock Burke replaced righty Lowder with two on and two outs in the seventh. Heliot Ramos greeted Burke with a pinch-hit single to score Rafael Devers from third.  Jerar Encarnacion followed with a pinch-hit single to load the bases before Burke struck out Willy Adames on three pitches.  Adames went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for San Francisco, which entered the game ranked last in the majors in runs (52), home runs (nine) and walks (34).  The Giants were out-hit 10-9 and fell to 1-11 this season when scoring three or fewer runs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sal #Stewart #Reds #rolling #woeful #GiantsApr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Sal Stewart slugged a pair of three-run homers, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz each hit solo shots, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the visiting San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday.

Stewart went deep for the second straight night and has seven homers to lead all rookies. Suarez went 3-for-4 and Spencer Steer had a pair of singles for Cincinnati, which has won three of its last four games.

Reds starter Rhett Lowder (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts over a career-high 6 2/3 innings.

Daniel Susac doubled in two runs and had two hits for San Francisco, which lost its fourth straight.

Cincinnati claimed a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Tyler Mahle (0-3). With two on and one out, Stewart hit a three-run blast on a liner to right-center field. Suarez followed with his third homer, a 349-foot shot to right field.

The Giants responded with two runs in the second inning. Matt Chapman singled with one out, Jung Hoo Lee walked, and both scored on Susac’s double to left field.


Stewart struck again with a three-run homer in the bottom of the second following back-to-back walks to Matt McLain and De La Cruz.

Cincinnati moved ahead 8-2 on De La Cruz’s one-out homer to center in the fourth. The 442-foot blast was his sixth homer of the season.

Mahle gave up eight runs and eight hits with five walks over four innings against his former team.

Left-hander Brock Burke replaced righty Lowder with two on and two outs in the seventh. Heliot Ramos greeted Burke with a pinch-hit single to score Rafael Devers from third.

Jerar Encarnacion followed with a pinch-hit single to load the bases before Burke struck out Willy Adames on three pitches.

Adames went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for San Francisco, which entered the game ranked last in the majors in runs (52), home runs (nine) and walks (34).

The Giants were out-hit 10-9 and fell to 1-11 this season when scoring three or fewer runs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sal #Stewart #Reds #rolling #woeful #Giants">Deadspin | Sal Stewart, Reds keep rolling against woeful Giants  Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Sal Stewart slugged a pair of three-run homers, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz each hit solo shots, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the visiting San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday.  Stewart went deep for the second straight night and has seven homers to lead all rookies. Suarez went 3-for-4 and Spencer Steer had a pair of singles for Cincinnati, which has won three of its last four games.  Reds starter Rhett Lowder (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts over a career-high 6 2/3 innings.  Daniel Susac doubled in two runs and had two hits for San Francisco, which lost its fourth straight.  Cincinnati claimed a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Tyler Mahle (0-3). With two on and one out, Stewart hit a three-run blast on a liner to right-center field. Suarez followed with his third homer, a 349-foot shot to right field.  The Giants responded with two runs in the second inning. Matt Chapman singled with one out, Jung Hoo Lee walked, and both scored on Susac’s double to left field.  Stewart struck again with a three-run homer in the bottom of the second following back-to-back walks to Matt McLain and De La Cruz.   Cincinnati moved ahead 8-2 on De La Cruz’s one-out homer to center in the fourth. The 442-foot blast was his sixth homer of the season.  Mahle gave up eight runs and eight hits with five walks over four innings against his former team.  Left-hander Brock Burke replaced righty Lowder with two on and two outs in the seventh. Heliot Ramos greeted Burke with a pinch-hit single to score Rafael Devers from third.  Jerar Encarnacion followed with a pinch-hit single to load the bases before Burke struck out Willy Adames on three pitches.  Adames went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for San Francisco, which entered the game ranked last in the majors in runs (52), home runs (nine) and walks (34).  The Giants were out-hit 10-9 and fell to 1-11 this season when scoring three or fewer runs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sal #Stewart #Reds #rolling #woeful #Giants

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