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The FIDE Candidates 2026 is advancing to its final stages, and the women’s category in…

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Grandmaster R. Vaishali succumbed to time pressure as a series of inaccuracies cost her full…

Highlight from Round 11 of FIDE Candidates as it happened

Playing with the Black pieces, Divya neutralised Zhu’s bishop activity early in the game and traded queens at the right moment with 22. Ne8 followed by 23. Qxd2, reducing attacking chances and steering the game towards a draw.

Her pieces remained well coordinated, and the central break with 38. d5 and 39. Rxd5 ensured complete balance. Divya countered Zhu’s early initiative with measured play to secure the draw.

Divya now has five points, two behind leader Vaishali.

Anna Muzychuk is joint-second on the table with 6 points after a draw against Lagno Kateryna

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Vaishali #capitalises #Goryachkinas #error #extend #lead #Divya #holds #Zhu"> FIDE Candidates 2026: Vaishali capitalises on Goryachkina’s error to extend lead; Divya holds Zhu  India’s Grandmaster (GM) R Vaishali put herself in the driver’s seat to claim the FIDE Candidates title in the women’s section after she beat Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11 on Saturday.Playing with black pieces, Vaishali kept the tie on balance into the middle game before capitalising on a blunder from her opponent (30. bishop c4) to take control of the game.The win consolidated Vaishali’s position atop the standings as she moved to seven points.GM Divya Deshmukh produced a solid, controlled performance against second-placed Zhu Jiner (6 points) to hold the Chinese GM to a draw, a result that helps Vaishali head into Round 12 with a clear one-point lead.ALSO READ: Highlight from Round 11 of FIDE Candidates as it happenedPlaying with the Black pieces, Divya neutralised Zhu’s bishop activity early in the game and traded queens at the right moment with 22. Ne8 followed by 23. Qxd2, reducing attacking chances and steering the game towards a draw.Her pieces remained well coordinated, and the central break with 38. d5 and 39. Rxd5 ensured complete balance. Divya countered Zhu’s early initiative with measured play to secure the draw.Divya now has five points, two behind leader Vaishali.Anna Muzychuk is joint-second on the table with 6 points after a draw against Lagno KaterynaPublished on Apr 11, 2026  #FIDE #Candidates #Vaishali #capitalises #Goryachkinas #error #extend #lead #Divya #holds #Zhu
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Highlight from Round 11 of FIDE Candidates as it happened

Playing with the Black pieces, Divya neutralised Zhu’s bishop activity early in the game and traded queens at the right moment with 22. Ne8 followed by 23. Qxd2, reducing attacking chances and steering the game towards a draw.

Her pieces remained well coordinated, and the central break with 38. d5 and 39. Rxd5 ensured complete balance. Divya countered Zhu’s early initiative with measured play to secure the draw.

Divya now has five points, two behind leader Vaishali.

Anna Muzychuk is joint-second on the table with 6 points after a draw against Lagno Kateryna

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Vaishali #capitalises #Goryachkinas #error #extend #lead #Divya #holds #Zhu">FIDE Candidates 2026: Vaishali capitalises on Goryachkina’s error to extend lead; Divya holds Zhu

India’s Grandmaster (GM) R Vaishali put herself in the driver’s seat to claim the FIDE Candidates title in the women’s section after she beat Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11 on Saturday.

Playing with black pieces, Vaishali kept the tie on balance into the middle game before capitalising on a blunder from her opponent (30. bishop c4) to take control of the game.

The win consolidated Vaishali’s position atop the standings as she moved to seven points.

GM Divya Deshmukh produced a solid, controlled performance against second-placed Zhu Jiner (6 points) to hold the Chinese GM to a draw, a result that helps Vaishali head into Round 12 with a clear one-point lead.

ALSO READ: Highlight from Round 11 of FIDE Candidates as it happened

Playing with the Black pieces, Divya neutralised Zhu’s bishop activity early in the game and traded queens at the right moment with 22. Ne8 followed by 23. Qxd2, reducing attacking chances and steering the game towards a draw.

Her pieces remained well coordinated, and the central break with 38. d5 and 39. Rxd5 ensured complete balance. Divya countered Zhu’s early initiative with measured play to secure the draw.

Divya now has five points, two behind leader Vaishali.

Anna Muzychuk is joint-second on the table with 6 points after a draw against Lagno Kateryna

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Vaishali #capitalises #Goryachkinas #error #extend #lead #Divya #holds #Zhu

India’s Grandmaster (GM) R Vaishali put herself in the driver’s seat to claim the FIDE…

Check out updates from Round 10 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026

Sindarov maintained his grip on the position as Praggnanandhaa resigned in a lost position.

In the women’s section, R. Vaishali absorbed Anna Muzychuk’s kingside push with timely exchanges and central breaks, simplifying into a balanced endgame to secure a draw.

In the middlegame, Vaishali centralised her bishop and opened the kingside on her terms rather than defending passively.

Between 37. f5+ Kf7 and 38. Kf4 d5, she neutralised White’s pawn breaks while keeping her king safe.

Towards the end, the position was fully equalised, and any attempt to push would have risked overextension, as the game ended in a draw.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #punishes #Praggnanandhaas #slip #stay #clear #top #Vaishali #draws #Muzychuk"> FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 10: Sindarov punishes Praggnanandhaa’s slip to stay clear at the top; Vaishali draws with Muzychuk  Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov returned to winning ways, completing a double over R. Praggnanandhaa to extend his sole lead in the Open section of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026 in Cyprus on Thursday.Anish Giri’s draw against Hikaru Nakamura helped Sindarov open up a two-point gap heading into the rest day on Friday.Praggnanandhaa started well, but a decisive error on move 22, when he played Bd7, proved costly. Instead of consolidating, the move allowed Sindarov to intensify pressure on the king and along the f-file.Sindarov capitalised immediately with 23. Rf7, a knockout blow that forced matters. He followed it up with a temporary exchange sacrifice to drag the Black king into the open.With 25. Qf4+ Kg7 and 28. Qxd7, Sindarov seized complete control, maintaining the initiative with a series of checks. He later activated his rooks, leaving Praggnanandhaa neutralised and without counterplay.ALSO READ: Check out updates from Round 10 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026Sindarov maintained his grip on the position as Praggnanandhaa resigned in a lost position.In the women’s section, R. Vaishali absorbed Anna Muzychuk’s kingside push with timely exchanges and central breaks, simplifying into a balanced endgame to secure a draw.In the middlegame, Vaishali centralised her bishop and opened the kingside on her terms rather than defending passively.Between 37. f5+ Kf7 and 38. Kf4 d5, she neutralised White’s pawn breaks while keeping her king safe.Towards the end, the position was fully equalised, and any attempt to push would have risked overextension, as the game ended in a draw.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #punishes #Praggnanandhaas #slip #stay #clear #top #Vaishali #draws #Muzychuk
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Check out updates from Round 10 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026

Sindarov maintained his grip on the position as Praggnanandhaa resigned in a lost position.

In the women’s section, R. Vaishali absorbed Anna Muzychuk’s kingside push with timely exchanges and central breaks, simplifying into a balanced endgame to secure a draw.

In the middlegame, Vaishali centralised her bishop and opened the kingside on her terms rather than defending passively.

Between 37. f5+ Kf7 and 38. Kf4 d5, she neutralised White’s pawn breaks while keeping her king safe.

Towards the end, the position was fully equalised, and any attempt to push would have risked overextension, as the game ended in a draw.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #punishes #Praggnanandhaas #slip #stay #clear #top #Vaishali #draws #Muzychuk">FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 10: Sindarov punishes Praggnanandhaa’s slip to stay clear at the top; Vaishali draws with Muzychuk

Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov returned to winning ways, completing a double over R. Praggnanandhaa to extend his sole lead in the Open section of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026 in Cyprus on Thursday.

Anish Giri’s draw against Hikaru Nakamura helped Sindarov open up a two-point gap heading into the rest day on Friday.

Praggnanandhaa started well, but a decisive error on move 22, when he played Bd7, proved costly. Instead of consolidating, the move allowed Sindarov to intensify pressure on the king and along the f-file.

Sindarov capitalised immediately with 23. Rf7, a knockout blow that forced matters. He followed it up with a temporary exchange sacrifice to drag the Black king into the open.

With 25. Qf4+ Kg7 and 28. Qxd7, Sindarov seized complete control, maintaining the initiative with a series of checks. He later activated his rooks, leaving Praggnanandhaa neutralised and without counterplay.

ALSO READ: Check out updates from Round 10 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026

Sindarov maintained his grip on the position as Praggnanandhaa resigned in a lost position.

In the women’s section, R. Vaishali absorbed Anna Muzychuk’s kingside push with timely exchanges and central breaks, simplifying into a balanced endgame to secure a draw.

In the middlegame, Vaishali centralised her bishop and opened the kingside on her terms rather than defending passively.

Between 37. f5+ Kf7 and 38. Kf4 d5, she neutralised White’s pawn breaks while keeping her king safe.

Towards the end, the position was fully equalised, and any attempt to push would have risked overextension, as the game ended in a draw.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #punishes #Praggnanandhaas #slip #stay #clear #top #Vaishali #draws #Muzychuk

Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov returned to winning ways, completing a double over R. Praggnanandhaa to extend…

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the tenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Vaishali (Black) vs Anna Muzychuk (White) – Live Board

Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (Black) – Live Board

R Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs Javokhir Sindarov (White) – Live Board

  • April 09, 2026 17:47

    Praggnanandhaa to face sole leader Sindarov

    Javokhir Sindarov is the runaway leader (6.5/9). Pragg (3.5/9) is in the middle of the pack and needs a massive second-half surge to close the 3-point gap.

  • April 09, 2026 17:44

    Divya Deshmukh vs Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Divya (4.5/9) is just 1 point off the lead. She will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Vaishali in Round 9.

  • April 09, 2026 17:42

    Vaishali in top-form

    Vaishali clinched victory in just 31 moves with the Reti Opening against Divya Deshmukh yesterday. Two bold rook sacrifices, on moves 23 and 31, forced her compatriot’s resignation and lifted her to the top of the standings.

  • April 09, 2026 17:38

    Women section pairings for tonight

    Anna Muzychuk — Vaishali Rameshbabu

    Divya Deshmukh — Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Bibisara Assaubayeva — Zhu Jiner

    Kateryna Lagno — Tan Zhongyi

  • April 09, 2026 17:37

    Open Section pairings for tonight

    Andrey Esipenko — Matthias Bluebaum


    Javokhir Sindarov — R Praggnanandhaa


    Wei Yi — Fabiano Caruana


    Anish Giri — Hikaru Nakamura

  • April 09, 2026 17:36

    It is Round 10

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026. 

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #LIVE #Jointleader #Vaishali #faces #Anna #Praggnanandhaa #face #Sindarov #matches #IST"> FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 LIVE, Round 10: Joint-leader Vaishali faces Anna, Praggnanandhaa to face Sindarov, matches from 6:15 PM IST  
  FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all the Live updates from Round 10 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Thursday.
Updated : Apr 09, 2026 17:49 IST 
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            READ LATERWelcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the tenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.R Vaishali (Black) vs Anna Muzychuk (White) – Live BoardDivya Deshmukh (White) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (Black) – Live BoardR Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs Javokhir Sindarov (White) – Live BoardApril 09, 2026 17:47
				Praggnanandhaa to face sole leader Sindarov
			Javokhir Sindarov is the runaway leader (6.5/9). Pragg (3.5/9) is in the middle of the pack and needs a massive second-half surge to close the 3-point gap.April 09, 2026 17:44
				Divya Deshmukh vs Aleksandra Goryachkina
			Divya (4.5/9) is just 1 point off the lead. She will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Vaishali in Round 9.April 09, 2026 17:42
				Vaishali in top-form
			Vaishali clinched victory in just 31 moves with the Reti Opening against Divya Deshmukh yesterday. Two bold rook sacrifices, on moves 23 and 31, forced her compatriot’s resignation and lifted her to the top of the standings.April 09, 2026 17:38
				Women section pairings for tonight
			Anna Muzychuk — Vaishali RameshbabuDivya Deshmukh — Aleksandra GoryachkinaBibisara Assaubayeva — Zhu JinerKateryna Lagno — Tan ZhongyiApril 09, 2026 17:37
				Open Section pairings for tonight
			Andrey Esipenko — Matthias BluebaumJavokhir Sindarov — R PraggnanandhaaWei Yi — Fabiano CaruanaAnish Giri — Hikaru NakamuraApril 09, 2026 17:36
				It is Round 10 
			Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026. Published on Apr 09, 2026  #FIDE #Chess #Candidates #LIVE #Jointleader #Vaishali #faces #Anna #Praggnanandhaa #face #Sindarov #matches #IST
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Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the tenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Vaishali (Black) vs Anna Muzychuk (White) – Live Board

Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (Black) – Live Board

R Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs Javokhir Sindarov (White) – Live Board

  • April 09, 2026 17:47

    Praggnanandhaa to face sole leader Sindarov

    Javokhir Sindarov is the runaway leader (6.5/9). Pragg (3.5/9) is in the middle of the pack and needs a massive second-half surge to close the 3-point gap.

  • April 09, 2026 17:44

    Divya Deshmukh vs Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Divya (4.5/9) is just 1 point off the lead. She will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Vaishali in Round 9.

  • April 09, 2026 17:42

    Vaishali in top-form

    Vaishali clinched victory in just 31 moves with the Reti Opening against Divya Deshmukh yesterday. Two bold rook sacrifices, on moves 23 and 31, forced her compatriot’s resignation and lifted her to the top of the standings.

  • April 09, 2026 17:38

    Women section pairings for tonight

    Anna Muzychuk — Vaishali Rameshbabu

    Divya Deshmukh — Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Bibisara Assaubayeva — Zhu Jiner

    Kateryna Lagno — Tan Zhongyi

  • April 09, 2026 17:37

    Open Section pairings for tonight

    Andrey Esipenko — Matthias Bluebaum


    Javokhir Sindarov — R Praggnanandhaa


    Wei Yi — Fabiano Caruana


    Anish Giri — Hikaru Nakamura

  • April 09, 2026 17:36

    It is Round 10

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026. 

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #LIVE #Jointleader #Vaishali #faces #Anna #Praggnanandhaa #face #Sindarov #matches #IST">FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 LIVE, Round 10: Joint-leader Vaishali faces Anna, Praggnanandhaa to face Sindarov, matches from 6:15 PM IST

FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all the Live updates from Round 10 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Thursday.

Updated : Apr 09, 2026 17:49 IST

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the tenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Vaishali (Black) vs Anna Muzychuk (White) – Live Board

Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (Black) – Live Board

R Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs Javokhir Sindarov (White) – Live Board

  • April 09, 2026 17:47

    Praggnanandhaa to face sole leader Sindarov

    Javokhir Sindarov is the runaway leader (6.5/9). Pragg (3.5/9) is in the middle of the pack and needs a massive second-half surge to close the 3-point gap.

  • April 09, 2026 17:44

    Divya Deshmukh vs Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Divya (4.5/9) is just 1 point off the lead. She will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Vaishali in Round 9.

  • April 09, 2026 17:42

    Vaishali in top-form

    Vaishali clinched victory in just 31 moves with the Reti Opening against Divya Deshmukh yesterday. Two bold rook sacrifices, on moves 23 and 31, forced her compatriot’s resignation and lifted her to the top of the standings.

  • April 09, 2026 17:38

    Women section pairings for tonight

    Anna Muzychuk — Vaishali Rameshbabu

    Divya Deshmukh — Aleksandra Goryachkina

    Bibisara Assaubayeva — Zhu Jiner

    Kateryna Lagno — Tan Zhongyi

  • April 09, 2026 17:37

    Open Section pairings for tonight

    Andrey Esipenko — Matthias Bluebaum


    Javokhir Sindarov — R Praggnanandhaa


    Wei Yi — Fabiano Caruana


    Anish Giri — Hikaru Nakamura

  • April 09, 2026 17:36

    It is Round 10

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026. 

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #LIVE #Jointleader #Vaishali #faces #Anna #Praggnanandhaa #face #Sindarov #matches #IST

FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all the Live updates from Round 10 of the Candidates…

Highlights from Round 9 on Wednesday

It gave Praggnanandhaa more active pieces, and he followed it up with 35. Rxe4, a double attack that opened lines and targeted multiple weaknesses at once. Despite the activity, there was no decisive pawn break, while Wei Yi consolidated well and kept his king relatively safe.

Praggnanandhaa continued probing with moves such as Rc3, Rc7 and Nd6, but Wei Yi had sufficient coordination to neutralise the threats as the game ended in a draw.

Elsewhere, table-topper Javokhir Sindarov endured his second successive draw after letting a winning position slip against Matthias Bluebaum.

Anish Giri defeated Fabiano Caruana, and Andrey Esipenko held Hikaru Nakamura to a draw.

In the women’s section, Anna Muzychuk drew with Tan Zhongyi, while Aleksandra Goryachkina drew with Bibisara Assaubayeva.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Vaishali #beats #Divya #jointtop #Sindarov #held #straight #draw"> FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 9: Vaishali beats Divya to go joint-top, Sindarov held to second straight draw  R. Vaishali beat compatriot Divya Deshmukh to move into joint lead with Zhu Jiner after Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates on Wednesday.Zhu Jiner defeated Kateryna Lagno.Vaishali capitalised on Divya’s central misjudgement, with a decisive seventh-rank invasion proving the difference.Divya overcommitted with Nd3, conceding central control and creating a pawn weakness rather than a strength. Moves such as Rxc6 and Bc7 allowed Vaishali to activate her queen and rooks, taking control of the open files and diagonals.From 28. Rb1 to Rb7, Vaishali invaded the seventh rank, targeted weak pawns and, with Divya reduced to seconds on the clock, forced a resignation.In another key result, R. Praggnanandhaa pressed Wei Yi, particularly with move 32. Nd6, a strong move that put pressure on Black’s structure.ALSO READ: Highlights from Round 9 on WednesdayIt gave Praggnanandhaa more active pieces, and he followed it up with 35. Rxe4, a double attack that opened lines and targeted multiple weaknesses at once. Despite the activity, there was no decisive pawn break, while Wei Yi consolidated well and kept his king relatively safe.Praggnanandhaa continued probing with moves such as Rc3, Rc7 and Nd6, but Wei Yi had sufficient coordination to neutralise the threats as the game ended in a draw.Elsewhere, table-topper Javokhir Sindarov endured his second successive draw after letting a winning position slip against Matthias Bluebaum.Anish Giri defeated Fabiano Caruana, and Andrey Esipenko held Hikaru Nakamura to a draw.In the women’s section, Anna Muzychuk drew with Tan Zhongyi, while Aleksandra Goryachkina drew with Bibisara Assaubayeva.Published on Apr 08, 2026  #FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Vaishali #beats #Divya #jointtop #Sindarov #held #straight #draw
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Highlights from Round 9 on Wednesday

It gave Praggnanandhaa more active pieces, and he followed it up with 35. Rxe4, a double attack that opened lines and targeted multiple weaknesses at once. Despite the activity, there was no decisive pawn break, while Wei Yi consolidated well and kept his king relatively safe.

Praggnanandhaa continued probing with moves such as Rc3, Rc7 and Nd6, but Wei Yi had sufficient coordination to neutralise the threats as the game ended in a draw.

Elsewhere, table-topper Javokhir Sindarov endured his second successive draw after letting a winning position slip against Matthias Bluebaum.

Anish Giri defeated Fabiano Caruana, and Andrey Esipenko held Hikaru Nakamura to a draw.

In the women’s section, Anna Muzychuk drew with Tan Zhongyi, while Aleksandra Goryachkina drew with Bibisara Assaubayeva.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Vaishali #beats #Divya #jointtop #Sindarov #held #straight #draw">FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 9: Vaishali beats Divya to go joint-top, Sindarov held to second straight draw

R. Vaishali beat compatriot Divya Deshmukh to move into joint lead with Zhu Jiner after Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates on Wednesday.

Zhu Jiner defeated Kateryna Lagno.

Vaishali capitalised on Divya’s central misjudgement, with a decisive seventh-rank invasion proving the difference.

Divya overcommitted with Nd3, conceding central control and creating a pawn weakness rather than a strength. Moves such as Rxc6 and Bc7 allowed Vaishali to activate her queen and rooks, taking control of the open files and diagonals.

From 28. Rb1 to Rb7, Vaishali invaded the seventh rank, targeted weak pawns and, with Divya reduced to seconds on the clock, forced a resignation.

In another key result, R. Praggnanandhaa pressed Wei Yi, particularly with move 32. Nd6, a strong move that put pressure on Black’s structure.

ALSO READ: Highlights from Round 9 on Wednesday

It gave Praggnanandhaa more active pieces, and he followed it up with 35. Rxe4, a double attack that opened lines and targeted multiple weaknesses at once. Despite the activity, there was no decisive pawn break, while Wei Yi consolidated well and kept his king relatively safe.

Praggnanandhaa continued probing with moves such as Rc3, Rc7 and Nd6, but Wei Yi had sufficient coordination to neutralise the threats as the game ended in a draw.

Elsewhere, table-topper Javokhir Sindarov endured his second successive draw after letting a winning position slip against Matthias Bluebaum.

Anish Giri defeated Fabiano Caruana, and Andrey Esipenko held Hikaru Nakamura to a draw.

In the women’s section, Anna Muzychuk drew with Tan Zhongyi, while Aleksandra Goryachkina drew with Bibisara Assaubayeva.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Vaishali #beats #Divya #jointtop #Sindarov #held #straight #draw

R. Vaishali beat compatriot Divya Deshmukh to move into joint lead with Zhu Jiner after…

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the ninth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Wei Yi (Black) – Round 9 Live board

Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs R Vaishali (White) – Round 9 Live board

  • April 08, 2026 18:05

    Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach GM Shyam Sundar

    Candidates 2026 — Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach Shyam Sundar

    Javokhir Sindarov has been the story of the tournament. He defeated World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana with 42 minutes on his clock against Caruana’s 48 seconds.

  • April 08, 2026 17:57

    Sindarov enters Round 9 after a draw

    Javokhir Sindarov is the leader of the pack, he comes into the match after a quick draw against Andrey Esipenko yesterday. Bluebaum will likely aim for a solid, sterile position to try and halt Sindarov momentum today.

  • April 08, 2026 17:53

    Can Vaishali topple Divya today

    GM R Vaishali surged to top by holding Bibisara to draw in Round 8 yesterday. Her most significant recent result was a Round 7 win over former champion Tan Zhongyi.

  • April 08, 2026 17:51

    The players respond to who has best opening ideas, take a look

  • April 08, 2026 17:49

    Praggnanandhaa vs Wei Yi

    Praggnanandhaa will aim to bounce back after his Round 8 loss to Anish Giri, and will to use his white-side preparation to break through Wei Yi’s defensive play.

  • April 08, 2026 17:46

    What happened when Vaishali played Divya earlier in tournament

    The first all-Indian clash of the event ended in a draw after a hard-fought game arising from the Queen’s Gambit Decline.


  • April 08, 2026 17:45

    Divya Deshmukh to joint-lead

    Divya Deshmukh moved into joint lead after a massive Round 8 victory against the previous sole leader, Anna Muzychuk. Earlier, in Round 7, she survived a marathon 135-move draw against Kateryna Lagno.

  • April 08, 2026 17:39

    Divya defeated Anna Muzychuk yesterday, read the report below

    FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 8: Sindarov drops points, held to draw by Esipenko

    Sindarov had previously won against the Russian, but this time the game started fast and remained balanced between moves 11 and 18, as both players simplified the center and activated their pieces effectively.

  • April 08, 2026 17:37

    Women section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Tan Zhongyi — Anna Muzychuk
    Zhu Jiner — Kateryna Lagno
    Aleksandra Goryachkina — Bibisara Assaubayeva
    Vaishali Rameshbabu — Divya Deshmukh

  • April 08, 2026 17:36

    Open section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Hikaru Nakamura — Andrey Esipenko
    Fabiano Caruana — Anish Giri
    Praggnanandhaa R — Wei Yi
    Matthias Bluebaum — Javokhir Sindarov

  • April 08, 2026 17:35

    It is Round 9 today

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #Live #Pragg #eyes #comeback #loss #Divya #takes #compatriot #Vaishali #match #IST"> FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 LIVE, Round 10: Joint-leader Vaishali faces Anna, Praggnanandhaa to face Sindarov, matches from 6:15 PM IST  
  FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all the Live updates from Round 10 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Thursday.
Updated : Apr 09, 2026 17:49 IST 
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            READ LATERWelcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the tenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.R Vaishali (Black) vs Anna Muzychuk (White) – Live BoardDivya Deshmukh (White) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (Black) – Live BoardR Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs Javokhir Sindarov (White) – Live BoardApril 09, 2026 17:47
				Praggnanandhaa to face sole leader Sindarov
			Javokhir Sindarov is the runaway leader (6.5/9). Pragg (3.5/9) is in the middle of the pack and needs a massive second-half surge to close the 3-point gap.April 09, 2026 17:44
				Divya Deshmukh vs Aleksandra Goryachkina
			Divya (4.5/9) is just 1 point off the lead. She will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Vaishali in Round 9.April 09, 2026 17:42
				Vaishali in top-form
			Vaishali clinched victory in just 31 moves with the Reti Opening against Divya Deshmukh yesterday. Two bold rook sacrifices, on moves 23 and 31, forced her compatriot’s resignation and lifted her to the top of the standings.April 09, 2026 17:38
				Women section pairings for tonight
			Anna Muzychuk — Vaishali RameshbabuDivya Deshmukh — Aleksandra GoryachkinaBibisara Assaubayeva — Zhu JinerKateryna Lagno — Tan ZhongyiApril 09, 2026 17:37
				Open Section pairings for tonight
			Andrey Esipenko — Matthias BluebaumJavokhir Sindarov — R PraggnanandhaaWei Yi — Fabiano CaruanaAnish Giri — Hikaru NakamuraApril 09, 2026 17:36
				It is Round 10 
			Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026. Published on Apr 09, 2026  #FIDE #Chess #Candidates #LIVE #Jointleader #Vaishali #faces #Anna #Praggnanandhaa #face #Sindarov #matches #IST
Sports news

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the ninth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Wei Yi (Black) – Round 9 Live board

Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs R Vaishali (White) – Round 9 Live board

  • April 08, 2026 18:05

    Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach GM Shyam Sundar

    Candidates 2026 — Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach Shyam Sundar

    Javokhir Sindarov has been the story of the tournament. He defeated World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana with 42 minutes on his clock against Caruana’s 48 seconds.

  • April 08, 2026 17:57

    Sindarov enters Round 9 after a draw

    Javokhir Sindarov is the leader of the pack, he comes into the match after a quick draw against Andrey Esipenko yesterday. Bluebaum will likely aim for a solid, sterile position to try and halt Sindarov momentum today.

  • April 08, 2026 17:53

    Can Vaishali topple Divya today

    GM R Vaishali surged to top by holding Bibisara to draw in Round 8 yesterday. Her most significant recent result was a Round 7 win over former champion Tan Zhongyi.

  • April 08, 2026 17:51

    The players respond to who has best opening ideas, take a look

  • April 08, 2026 17:49

    Praggnanandhaa vs Wei Yi

    Praggnanandhaa will aim to bounce back after his Round 8 loss to Anish Giri, and will to use his white-side preparation to break through Wei Yi’s defensive play.

  • April 08, 2026 17:46

    What happened when Vaishali played Divya earlier in tournament

    The first all-Indian clash of the event ended in a draw after a hard-fought game arising from the Queen’s Gambit Decline.


  • April 08, 2026 17:45

    Divya Deshmukh to joint-lead

    Divya Deshmukh moved into joint lead after a massive Round 8 victory against the previous sole leader, Anna Muzychuk. Earlier, in Round 7, she survived a marathon 135-move draw against Kateryna Lagno.

  • April 08, 2026 17:39

    Divya defeated Anna Muzychuk yesterday, read the report below

    FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 8: Sindarov drops points, held to draw by Esipenko

    Sindarov had previously won against the Russian, but this time the game started fast and remained balanced between moves 11 and 18, as both players simplified the center and activated their pieces effectively.

  • April 08, 2026 17:37

    Women section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Tan Zhongyi — Anna Muzychuk
    Zhu Jiner — Kateryna Lagno
    Aleksandra Goryachkina — Bibisara Assaubayeva
    Vaishali Rameshbabu — Divya Deshmukh

  • April 08, 2026 17:36

    Open section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Hikaru Nakamura — Andrey Esipenko
    Fabiano Caruana — Anish Giri
    Praggnanandhaa R — Wei Yi
    Matthias Bluebaum — Javokhir Sindarov

  • April 08, 2026 17:35

    It is Round 9 today

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #Live #Pragg #eyes #comeback #loss #Divya #takes #compatriot #Vaishali #match #IST">FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 Live, Round 9: Pragg eyes comeback after loss, Divya takes on compatriot Vaishali in match from 6:15 PM IST

FIDE Candidates 2026: Follow all the live updates from Round 9 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

Updated : Apr 08, 2026 18:05 IST

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the ninth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.

R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Wei Yi (Black) – Round 9 Live board

Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs R Vaishali (White) – Round 9 Live board

  • April 08, 2026 18:05

    Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach GM Shyam Sundar

    Candidates 2026 — Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach Shyam Sundar

    Javokhir Sindarov has been the story of the tournament. He defeated World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana with 42 minutes on his clock against Caruana’s 48 seconds.

  • April 08, 2026 17:57

    Sindarov enters Round 9 after a draw

    Javokhir Sindarov is the leader of the pack, he comes into the match after a quick draw against Andrey Esipenko yesterday. Bluebaum will likely aim for a solid, sterile position to try and halt Sindarov momentum today.

  • April 08, 2026 17:53

    Can Vaishali topple Divya today

    GM R Vaishali surged to top by holding Bibisara to draw in Round 8 yesterday. Her most significant recent result was a Round 7 win over former champion Tan Zhongyi.

  • April 08, 2026 17:51

    The players respond to who has best opening ideas, take a look

  • April 08, 2026 17:49

    Praggnanandhaa vs Wei Yi

    Praggnanandhaa will aim to bounce back after his Round 8 loss to Anish Giri, and will to use his white-side preparation to break through Wei Yi’s defensive play.

  • April 08, 2026 17:46

    What happened when Vaishali played Divya earlier in tournament

    The first all-Indian clash of the event ended in a draw after a hard-fought game arising from the Queen’s Gambit Decline.


  • April 08, 2026 17:45

    Divya Deshmukh to joint-lead

    Divya Deshmukh moved into joint lead after a massive Round 8 victory against the previous sole leader, Anna Muzychuk. Earlier, in Round 7, she survived a marathon 135-move draw against Kateryna Lagno.

  • April 08, 2026 17:39

    Divya defeated Anna Muzychuk yesterday, read the report below

    FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 8: Sindarov drops points, held to draw by Esipenko

    Sindarov had previously won against the Russian, but this time the game started fast and remained balanced between moves 11 and 18, as both players simplified the center and activated their pieces effectively.

  • April 08, 2026 17:37

    Women section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Tan Zhongyi — Anna Muzychuk
    Zhu Jiner — Kateryna Lagno
    Aleksandra Goryachkina — Bibisara Assaubayeva
    Vaishali Rameshbabu — Divya Deshmukh

  • April 08, 2026 17:36

    Open section pairings for Round 9 today:

    Hikaru Nakamura — Andrey Esipenko
    Fabiano Caruana — Anish Giri
    Praggnanandhaa R — Wei Yi
    Matthias Bluebaum — Javokhir Sindarov

  • April 08, 2026 17:35

    It is Round 9 today

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #Live #Pragg #eyes #comeback #loss #Divya #takes #compatriot #Vaishali #match #IST

FIDE Candidates 2026: Follow all the live updates from Round 9 of the Candidates tournament…