Max Verstappen understands ‘bigger picture’ in power unit debate: F1 boss Domenicali Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali on Wednesday called on drivers, including the outspoken Max Verstappen, to “be respectful” of the sport but said changes to this year’s new power unit regulations needed to be made.The Dutch four-time world champion has been the most vocal of the drivers criticising the new regulations concerning the hybrid engines, whose electric power management has posed problems for the drivers in the opening three races of the season.Verstappen called the new style of racing “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix and has hinted he will take a break from F1 in 2027 if it remains the same.“We have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali told Autosport.“I understand his (Verstappen’s) comments and he understands the bigger picture. I don’t want to fall in to the trap of trying to create antagonism because that’s not me.“We’re going to be together. He is the best driver, he is a multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to.“But he knows that his voice has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight (as) sometimes some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we shouldn’t allow to happen.”He also urged all the drivers to “protect the jewel” of motorsport.“What I said to them is: ‘Listen, guys, don’t forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to make a lot of money, to develop a personality in the world that other sports cannot give’.ALSO READ | Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren“I think that has been acknowledged. We musn’t forget this is the jewel of our sport and we need to protect that jewel.”Full powerDomenicali also said talks between the FIA, the teams and the drivers to find a solution to the current problems were “moving in the right direction”.“There are meetings this week and next week before the Miami Grand Prix to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”The FIA is expected to announce changes next week which Domenicali hopes will “allow drivers to be as much as possible at full power or full braking” and during races, where there have been safety concerns.The new hybrid engines, 50 percent internal combustion and 50 percent electric, were brought in to encourage overtaking and make races more exciting for the hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.“The outcome is magnificent… There’s a lot of action, and that’s what people want to see,” said Domenicali.But an accident at Suzuka last month, involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who crashed at 300 km/h into the Alpine of Franco Colapinto, running 50 km/h slower, has revived paddock criticism over the large speed differences between cars and the complex management of electric energy.“The regulations obviously need to be improved,” said Domenicali.The season was interrupted after three races because of the war in Iran and Lebanon which led to the double cancellation this month of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.The season resumes in Miami on May 3.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #Max #Verstappen #understands #bigger #picture #power #unit #debate #boss #Domenicali

Max Verstappen understands ‘bigger picture’ in power unit debate: F1 boss Domenicali
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali on Wednesday called on drivers, including the outspoken Max Verstappen, to “be respectful” of the sport but said changes to this year’s new power unit regulations needed to be made.
The Dutch four-time world champion has been the most vocal of the drivers criticising the new regulations concerning the hybrid engines, whose electric power management has posed problems for the drivers in the opening three races of the season.
Verstappen called the new style of racing “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix and has hinted he will take a break from F1 in 2027 if it remains the same.
“We have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali told Autosport.
“I understand his (Verstappen’s) comments and he understands the bigger picture. I don’t want to fall in to the trap of trying to create antagonism because that’s not me.
“We’re going to be together. He is the best driver, he is a multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to.
“But he knows that his voice has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight (as) sometimes some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we shouldn’t allow to happen.”
He also urged all the drivers to “protect the jewel” of motorsport.
“What I said to them is: ‘Listen, guys, don’t forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to make a lot of money, to develop a personality in the world that other sports cannot give’.
ALSO READ | Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren
“I think that has been acknowledged. We musn’t forget this is the jewel of our sport and we need to protect that jewel.”
Full power
Domenicali also said talks between the FIA, the teams and the drivers to find a solution to the current problems were “moving in the right direction”.
“There are meetings this week and next week before the Miami Grand Prix to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”
The FIA is expected to announce changes next week which Domenicali hopes will “allow drivers to be as much as possible at full power or full braking” and during races, where there have been safety concerns.
The new hybrid engines, 50 percent internal combustion and 50 percent electric, were brought in to encourage overtaking and make races more exciting for the hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.
“The outcome is magnificent… There’s a lot of action, and that’s what people want to see,” said Domenicali.
But an accident at Suzuka last month, involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who crashed at 300 km/h into the Alpine of Franco Colapinto, running 50 km/h slower, has revived paddock criticism over the large speed differences between cars and the complex management of electric energy.
“The regulations obviously need to be improved,” said Domenicali.
The season was interrupted after three races because of the war in Iran and Lebanon which led to the double cancellation this month of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
The season resumes in Miami on May 3.
Published on Apr 15, 2026
#Max #Verstappen #understands #bigger #picture #power #unit #debate #boss #Domenicali

Sports news max verstappen, max verstappen f1, max verstappen f1 powe units, max verstappen formula one, max verstappen on power units, max verstappen power unit regulation, max verstappen power units, max verstappen red bull April 15, 2026

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali on Wednesday called on drivers, including the outspoken Max Verstappen, to “be respectful” of the sport but said changes to this year’s new power unit regulations needed to be made.

The Dutch four-time world champion has been the most vocal of the drivers criticising the new regulations concerning the hybrid engines, whose electric power management has posed problems for the drivers in the opening three races of the season.

Verstappen called the new style of racing “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix and has hinted he will take a break from F1 in 2027 if it remains the same.

“We have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali told Autosport.

“I understand his (Verstappen’s) comments and he understands the bigger picture. I don’t want to fall in to the trap of trying to create antagonism because that’s not me.

“We’re going to be together. He is the best driver, he is a multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to.

“But he knows that his voice has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight (as) sometimes some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we shouldn’t allow to happen.”

He also urged all the drivers to “protect the jewel” of motorsport.

“What I said to them is: ‘Listen, guys, don’t forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to make a lot of money, to develop a personality in the world that other sports cannot give’.

ALSO READ | Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren

“I think that has been acknowledged. We musn’t forget this is the jewel of our sport and we need to protect that jewel.”

Full power

Domenicali also said talks between the FIA, the teams and the drivers to find a solution to the current problems were “moving in the right direction”.

“There are meetings this week and next week before the Miami Grand Prix to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”

The FIA is expected to announce changes next week which Domenicali hopes will “allow drivers to be as much as possible at full power or full braking” and during races, where there have been safety concerns.

The new hybrid engines, 50 percent internal combustion and 50 percent electric, were brought in to encourage overtaking and make races more exciting for the hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.

“The outcome is magnificent… There’s a lot of action, and that’s what people want to see,” said Domenicali.

But an accident at Suzuka last month, involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who crashed at 300 km/h into the Alpine of Franco Colapinto, running 50 km/h slower, has revived paddock criticism over the large speed differences between cars and the complex management of electric energy.

“The regulations obviously need to be improved,” said Domenicali.

The season was interrupted after three races because of the war in Iran and Lebanon which led to the double cancellation this month of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

The season resumes in Miami on May 3.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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#Max #Verstappen #understands #bigger #picture #power #unit #debate #boss #Domenicali

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Why Drew Allar Is Going To Be Drafted a Lot Higher Than You Might Think | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was supposed to be a first-round pick.Allar <a href="https://deadspin.com/why-drew-allar-passed-on-the-nfl-to-chase-a-national-title-at-penn-state/" target="_blank">returned to the Nittany Lions</a> after a disappointing exit in the College Football Playoff last year. A veteran Penn State team quarterbacked by Allar flopped, causing James Franklin to be fired. Allar was sidelined after a season-ending ankle break ended his college football career.At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Allar’s redemption story began. He effortlessly showcased his big arm. At 6-foot-5, Allar has the size and upside that NFL talent evaluators fall in love with.His big red flag is his lack of consistency. Allar showed flashes of greatness. Other times, he left meat on the bone in a Penn State offense that just never seemed to play into his strengths as a passer.Yet still, he finished his college football career with 61 touchdown passes compared to just 13 interceptions. In 45 college football games, Allar threw for over 7,400 yards. He’s also more athletic and escapable than he gets credit for, averaging 16 rushing yards per game and adding 12 touchdowns with his legs over those four seasons.Even though Allar’s stock is generally viewed as late Day 2 or early Day 3, <a href="https://deadspin.com/three-nfl-draft-prospects-who-will-be-selected-higher-than-you-think/" target="_blank">don’t be surprised</a> if he’s drafted as soon as the third round.NFL talent evaluators will park Allar’s Penn State career and try to figure out what kind of quarterback he can evolve into at the next level, especially in their respective environments. Because the Nittany Lions didn’t ever necessarily lean all the way into Allar’s strengths, he’s a little bit of a clay ball.At 6-foot-5, Allar has prototypical franchise quarterback size. Even though Allar’s accuracy can be shaky and his footwork was inconsistent, NFL teams will bank on his size, big arm and underrated athleticism to overcome those deficiencies in his game.The NFL is the ultimate supply and demand league. There are more bad quarterbacks than good ones currently in the NFL. That benefits Allar, who is an intriguing prospect with a ton of upside in the right environment.Last year, the NFL Draft only had two first-round quarterbacks, Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart. Maybe Tyler Shough can convince the New Orleans Saints that he’s the real deal. Perhaps the same could be said for Shedeur Sanders, who will get another crack at being the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback in 2026.But outside of that? It was a forgettable draft for quarterbacks.The same is getting ready to be said about the 2026 quarterback class. Fernando Mendoza will be drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. But after that? Alabama’s Ty Simpson would be the only other first-round quarterback. Then LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Allar and Miami’s Carson Beck should be waiting by their phones – but there’s no telling when it might ring.Quarterback-needy teams haven’t been able to hide their interest in Allar. He’s had top 30 visits with the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. The New York Jets <a href="https://thejetpress.com/jets-insider-reveals-private-workout-results-polarizing-qb-prospect-01kmgrz3gcrr" target="_blank">brought him in for a private workout</a>. He also met with the Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The Jets, Cardinals, Browns and Steelers could all use a quarterback in the first-round. Will any of them fall in love with Simpson? If not, a lottery ticket on Allar would make sense.Even beyond those teams, the Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams would be two destinations where Allar can sit behind stable quarterback situations and learn.He’s going to be drafted sooner than people think. Penn State haters will deploy their memes about how inconsistent his college career was. But his size and upside will have NFL decision makers ignoring the Allar naysayers next week. </div> #Drew #Allar #Drafted #Lot #Higher #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener. Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save. The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season. Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games. Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games. The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame. CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener.

Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save.

The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season.

Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five.

Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games.

Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.

The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame.

CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals">Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals

Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener.

Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save.

The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season.

Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five.

Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games.

Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.

The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame.

CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

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.

“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

mwasimuddin125 0

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

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.

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.

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.

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 #Giants

#Deadspin #Sal #Stewart #Reds #rolling #woeful #Giants">

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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">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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