Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the fourteenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Hikaru Nakamura (Black)
R Vaishali (White) vs Lagno Kateryna (Black)
Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Bibisara Assaubayeva (Black)
April 15, 2026 17:59
Does Zhu Jiner have a chance
Anna Muzychuk, who entered the tournament as a replacement for Koneru Humpy, will take on Zhu Jiner, who is in title contention.
April 15, 2026 17:51
Will Sindarov’s help propel Bibisara to the World Title
April 15, 2026 17:48
Vishy Anand’s pick
In a video posted by FIDE, five-time World Champion, GM Viswanathan Anand was seen picking D Gukesh over Javokhir Sindarov for the World Chess Championship title.
April 15, 2026 17:46
FIDE Grand Swiss 2027 will take place in Isle of Man
April 15, 2026 17:44
Divya Deshmukh vs Bibisara
Divya takes on Bibisara and aims for a victory to end her campaign on a good note, and her win could also help Vaishali win the title today.
April 15, 2026 17:41
Read how Vaishali can win the title today
R Vaishali in FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026: Full title scenarios explained ahead of final round
Grandmaster R Vaishali is within reach of becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates title, heading into the final round on Wednesday.
April 15, 2026 17:35
Tiebreaks if needed tomorrow
If both Vaishali and Assaubayeva win their respective matches, they will head to a playoff tiebreaker on Thursday. Click here to read more
April 15, 2026 17:34
Big day for R Vaishali
If Vaishali beats Lagno Kateryna and Bibisara Assaubayeva draws or loses, Vaishali wins the tournament and will become the first Indian to win the women’s section.
April 15, 2026 17:32
Women’s section pairings for today
Anna Muzychuk — Zhu Jiner Aleksandra Goryachkina — Tan Zhongyi Vaishali Rameshbabu — Kateryna Lagno Divya Deshmukh — Bibisara Assaubayeva
April 15, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for today
Andrey Esipenko — Fabiano Caruana Praggnanandhaa R — Hikaru Nakamura Matthias Bluebaum — Anish Giri Javokhir Sindarov — Wei Yi
April 15, 2026 17:31
It is the final round!
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 14 of FIDE Candidates 2026.
Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the fourteenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Hikaru Nakamura (Black)
R Vaishali (White) vs Lagno Kateryna (Black)
Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Bibisara Assaubayeva (Black)
April 15, 2026 17:59
Does Zhu Jiner have a chance
Anna Muzychuk, who entered the tournament as a replacement for Koneru Humpy, will take on Zhu Jiner, who is in title contention.
April 15, 2026 17:51
Will Sindarov’s help propel Bibisara to the World Title
April 15, 2026 17:48
Vishy Anand’s pick
In a video posted by FIDE, five-time World Champion, GM Viswanathan Anand was seen picking D Gukesh over Javokhir Sindarov for the World Chess Championship title.
April 15, 2026 17:46
FIDE Grand Swiss 2027 will take place in Isle of Man
April 15, 2026 17:44
Divya Deshmukh vs Bibisara
Divya takes on Bibisara and aims for a victory to end her campaign on a good note, and her win could also help Vaishali win the title today.
April 15, 2026 17:41
Read how Vaishali can win the title today
R Vaishali in FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026: Full title scenarios explained ahead of final round
Grandmaster R Vaishali is within reach of becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates title, heading into the final round on Wednesday.
April 15, 2026 17:35
Tiebreaks if needed tomorrow
If both Vaishali and Assaubayeva win their respective matches, they will head to a playoff tiebreaker on Thursday. Click here to read more
April 15, 2026 17:34
Big day for R Vaishali
If Vaishali beats Lagno Kateryna and Bibisara Assaubayeva draws or loses, Vaishali wins the tournament and will become the first Indian to win the women’s section.
April 15, 2026 17:32
Women’s section pairings for today
Anna Muzychuk — Zhu Jiner Aleksandra Goryachkina — Tan Zhongyi Vaishali Rameshbabu — Kateryna Lagno Divya Deshmukh — Bibisara Assaubayeva
April 15, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for today
Andrey Esipenko — Fabiano Caruana Praggnanandhaa R — Hikaru Nakamura Matthias Bluebaum — Anish Giri Javokhir Sindarov — Wei Yi
April 15, 2026 17:31
It is the final round!
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 14 of FIDE Candidates 2026.
Published on Apr 15, 2026
#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #Live #Vaishali #takes #Lagno #eyes #title #womens #section #heads #final #day #drama">FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 Live, Round 14: Vaishali takes on Lagno with eyes on title, women’s section heads for final day drama
FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all Live updates from Round 14 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.
Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the fourteenth round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Wednesday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Hikaru Nakamura (Black)
R Vaishali (White) vs Lagno Kateryna (Black)
Divya Deshmukh (White) vs Bibisara Assaubayeva (Black)
April 15, 2026 17:59
Does Zhu Jiner have a chance
Anna Muzychuk, who entered the tournament as a replacement for Koneru Humpy, will take on Zhu Jiner, who is in title contention.
April 15, 2026 17:51
Will Sindarov’s help propel Bibisara to the World Title
April 15, 2026 17:48
Vishy Anand’s pick
In a video posted by FIDE, five-time World Champion, GM Viswanathan Anand was seen picking D Gukesh over Javokhir Sindarov for the World Chess Championship title.
April 15, 2026 17:46
FIDE Grand Swiss 2027 will take place in Isle of Man
April 15, 2026 17:44
Divya Deshmukh vs Bibisara
Divya takes on Bibisara and aims for a victory to end her campaign on a good note, and her win could also help Vaishali win the title today.
April 15, 2026 17:41
Read how Vaishali can win the title today
R Vaishali in FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026: Full title scenarios explained ahead of final round
Grandmaster R Vaishali is within reach of becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates title, heading into the final round on Wednesday.
April 15, 2026 17:35
Tiebreaks if needed tomorrow
If both Vaishali and Assaubayeva win their respective matches, they will head to a playoff tiebreaker on Thursday. Click here to read more
April 15, 2026 17:34
Big day for R Vaishali
If Vaishali beats Lagno Kateryna and Bibisara Assaubayeva draws or loses, Vaishali wins the tournament and will become the first Indian to win the women’s section.
April 15, 2026 17:32
Women’s section pairings for today
Anna Muzychuk — Zhu Jiner Aleksandra Goryachkina — Tan Zhongyi Vaishali Rameshbabu — Kateryna Lagno Divya Deshmukh — Bibisara Assaubayeva
April 15, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for today
Andrey Esipenko — Fabiano Caruana Praggnanandhaa R — Hikaru Nakamura Matthias Bluebaum — Anish Giri Javokhir Sindarov — Wei Yi
April 15, 2026 17:31
It is the final round!
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of Round 14 of FIDE Candidates 2026.
Giri attempted to build pressure along the d-file, but Sindarov defended resolutely with Be6 and Re6, neutralising White’s efforts.
The game later transitioned into a rook and bishop endgame, where neither side could find a breakthrough, before the players repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Other results in the Open section saw Hikaru Nakamura pick up another draw against Matthias Bluebaum, Wei Yi defeat Andrey Esipenko, and R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Fabiano Caruana.
Giri attempted to build pressure along the d-file, but Sindarov defended resolutely with Be6 and Re6, neutralising White’s efforts.
The game later transitioned into a rook and bishop endgame, where neither side could find a breakthrough, before the players repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Other results in the Open section saw Hikaru Nakamura pick up another draw against Matthias Bluebaum, Wei Yi defeat Andrey Esipenko, and R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Fabiano Caruana.
Published on Apr 14, 2026
#FIDE #Candidates #Open #Section #Sindarov #seals #title #spare #extends #unbeaten #run #games">FIDE Candidates 2026 Open Section: Sindarov seals title with a round to spare; extends unbeaten run to 50 games
Javokhir Sindarov’s dream run at the FIDE Candidates 2026 was sealed with a draw against Anish Giri in Round 13, securing him a shot at the FIDE World Championship against D. Gukesh later this year.
Sindarov remains unbeaten in the tournament and clinched the Candidates title with a round to spare.
Heading into Tuesday’s Round 13, Sindarov held a two-point lead. Giri needed a win to cut the deficit to one and take the contest into the final day, but the draw ensured Sindarov wrapped up the title.
Giri opened with 1. e4, and Sindarov responded with a rock-solid set-up. By move 15, several pieces had been exchanged, leading to a queenless middlegame, a scenario that suited Sindarov as he looked to minimise risk.
Giri attempted to build pressure along the d-file, but Sindarov defended resolutely with Be6 and Re6, neutralising White’s efforts.
The game later transitioned into a rook and bishop endgame, where neither side could find a breakthrough, before the players repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Other results in the Open section saw Hikaru Nakamura pick up another draw against Matthias Bluebaum, Wei Yi defeat Andrey Esipenko, and R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Fabiano Caruana.
Tan later delivered a check with Qe8+, forcing Vaishali’s king to h7. Material remained level, but the position remained volatile with several pieces on the board.
However, with Vaishali’s knight finding strong outposts on d3 and f4, posing a growing threat to the kingside, Tan opted against taking further risks. The players soon repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Vaishali appeared content with the result against the former World Champion, staying in title contention heading into the final round.
Tan later delivered a check with Qe8+, forcing Vaishali’s king to h7. Material remained level, but the position remained volatile with several pieces on the board.
However, with Vaishali’s knight finding strong outposts on d3 and f4, posing a growing threat to the kingside, Tan opted against taking further risks. The players soon repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Vaishali appeared content with the result against the former World Champion, staying in title contention heading into the final round.
Published on Apr 14, 2026
#FIDE #Candidates #Womens #section #Vaishali #draws #Tan #Bibisara #joins #top #table">FIDE Candidates 2026, Women’s section: Vaishali draws with Tan as Bibisara joins her at top of table
Indian GM R Vaishali kept herself well in contention to claim the FIDE women’s candidates title after she claimed a draw against Tan Zhongyi in Round 13 on Tuesday.
Vaishali is in joint-lead with 7.5 points, alongside Bibisara, and will now face Lagno Kateryna in the final round on Wednesday.
Vaishali can clinch the title if she out-scores Bibisara on Wednesday and second-placed Zhu Jiner fails to win her tie.
Playing with the black pieces, Vaishali opted for a solid Queen’s Gambit Accepted. By move 15, the position was roughly equal, with Tan attempting to build pressure on the kingside, but Vaishali held firm with a sound defensive set-up.
Tan later delivered a check with Qe8+, forcing Vaishali’s king to h7. Material remained level, but the position remained volatile with several pieces on the board.
However, with Vaishali’s knight finding strong outposts on d3 and f4, posing a growing threat to the kingside, Tan opted against taking further risks. The players soon repeated moves to agree to a draw by threefold repetition.
Vaishali appeared content with the result against the former World Champion, staying in title contention heading into the final round.
#FIDE #Candidates #tiebreaker #format #womens #category">FIDE Candidates 2026: What is the tie-breaker format in women’s category?
The FIDE Candidates 2026 is advancing to its final stages, and the women’s category in particular has been tightly contested.
Ahead of Round 11 which will happen on Saturday, April 11, India’s R Vaishali holds a slender lead of 0.5 up top with six points followed by China’s Zhu Jiner and Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk who are both tied for second place with 5.5 points.
Points table: Women’s Category (Updated until Round 10)
1. R. Vaishali – 6
2. Zhu Jiner – 5.5
2. Anna Muzychuk – 5.5
4. Aleksandra Goryachkina – 5
4. Bibisara Assaubayeva – 5
4. Kateryna Lagno – 5
7. Divya Deshmukh – 4.5
8. Tan Zhongyi – 3.5
Here are the Tie-Breaker regulations for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026
Tie-Breaker Regulations
If there is a tie for first place after 14 rounds, a playoff to determine the winner shall be played. The play-off may consist of up to three stages.
Stage 1:
a) If there are 2 players tied, after a drawing for colors made on the day of Round 14, a match of two games shall be played with a time control of 15 minutes for each player + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
b) If there are between 3 and 6 players (inclusive) tied, after pairings made on the day of Round 14, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 15 minutes for each player + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
c) If there are either 7 or 8 players tied, after pairings made on the day of Round 14, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 10 minutes for each player + 5 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
Stage 2: Played among players who remain tied for first place after Stage 1
a) If there are 2 players tied, after a drawing for colors, a match of two games shall be played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
b) If there are more than 2 players tied, after new pairings, a single round robin tournament shall be played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
Stage 3: Played among players who remain tied for first place after Stage 2
a) A knockout tournament shall be played. If there are more than two players, the knockout bracket shall be determined by drawing of lots. Each match shall consist of one game played with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1. The colours for the game shall be determined by a drawing of lots.
b) If the game in clause a) is drawn, another game shall be played with the colors reversed with a time control of 3 minutes for each player + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
c) If the game in clause b) is drawn, then one sudden death game shall be played.
Sudden Death Regulations
• White will have 4 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
• Both players will submit a time bid – specifying how much starting time they are willing to play with as Black, also with a 2-second increment per move, starting from move 1. A bid cannot be more than 4 minutes. The player who submits the lowest time wins the bid and plays with Black. If the players make exactly the same bid, Black starts with that amount of time; colors will be determined by drawing of lots.
• If the sudden death game is drawn, Black will win the match.
Tie-Breaker Regulations for other positions
If a playoff for first place is played, ties for all positions except for first place shall be broken according to the following criteria, in order of priority:
a) The later round reached in Stage III of the playoff .
b) The higher number of points scored in Stage II of the playoff.
c) The higher number of points scored in Stage I of the playoff.
If there is no tie for first place after 14 rounds, ties for all positions shall be broken according to the following criteria, in order of priority:
a) Sonneborn-Berger System.
b) Total number of wins in the tournament.
c) The results of the games between the players involved in the tie.
However, the tide turned during the frantic final scramble. Under severe time pressure, Giri fumbled his advantage by failing to find the clinical killing blow.
Instead of tightening the noose, a series of repetitive checks allowed Wei Yi to escape. By move 77, with neither side able to break the deadlock, Giri was forced to settle for a frustrating draw via threefold repetition.
Other results saw India’s R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Andrey Esipenko, while Matthias Bluebaum held Fabiano Caruana to a draw.
However, the tide turned during the frantic final scramble. Under severe time pressure, Giri fumbled his advantage by failing to find the clinical killing blow.
Instead of tightening the noose, a series of repetitive checks allowed Wei Yi to escape. By move 77, with neither side able to break the deadlock, Giri was forced to settle for a frustrating draw via threefold repetition.
Other results saw India’s R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Andrey Esipenko, while Matthias Bluebaum held Fabiano Caruana to a draw.
Published on Apr 12, 2026
#FIDE #Candidates #Open #Section #Sindarov #plays #quick #draw #Nakamura #extend #lead #standings">FIDE Candidates 2026 Open Section: Sindarov plays a quick draw with Nakamura to extend lead in standings
It was in stark contrast to his fifth-round outing, when Hikaru Nakamura (5.5) took over an hour for a single move, as his Round 12 clash against Open section leader Javokhir Sindarov (9) ended in a draw in under 45 minutes on Sunday. Anish Giri (7) was also held by Wei Yi (5.5), allowing Sindarov to head into the rest day on Monday with a two-point lead.
Sindarov opened with 1. d4, and the game soon transitioned into a Catalan-style setup with g3 and Bg2. Nakamura chose a solid theoretical line, conceding central space but gaining the bishop pair.
Between moves nine and 26, the players exchanged queens and most of the minor pieces. By move 26 (Rd1 Rxd1), the position had been stripped of its major attacking potential. Sindarov held a slightly better king position, but Nakamura’s bishops provided sufficient compensation.
With little scope for progress, both players shuffled their pieces before agreeing to a draw.
On the other board, GM Anish saw a golden opportunity to climb the standings slip through his fingers. Dominating much of the mid-game, Giri steered the match into a highly favourable endgame where a full point seemed inevitable. His strategic pressure forced Wei Yi into a desperate defensive shell.
However, the tide turned during the frantic final scramble. Under severe time pressure, Giri fumbled his advantage by failing to find the clinical killing blow.
Instead of tightening the noose, a series of repetitive checks allowed Wei Yi to escape. By move 77, with neither side able to break the deadlock, Giri was forced to settle for a frustrating draw via threefold repetition.
Other results saw India’s R. Praggnanandhaa draw against Andrey Esipenko, while Matthias Bluebaum held Fabiano Caruana to a draw.
#FIDE #Candidates #Open #Section #Sindarov #plays #quick #draw #Nakamura #extends #lead #standings">FIDE Candidates 2026 Open Section: Sindarov plays a quick draw with Nakamura to extends lead in standings
It was in stark contrast to his fifth-round outing, when Hikaru Nakamura took over an hour for a single move, as his Round 12 clash against Open section leader Javokhir Sindarov (nine points) ended in a draw in under 45 minutes on Sunday.
Sindarov opened with 1. d4, and the game soon transitioned into a Catalan-style setup with g3 and Bg2. Nakamura chose a solid theoretical line, conceding central space but gaining the bishop pair.
Between moves nine and 26, the players exchanged queens and most of the minor pieces. By move 26 (Rd1 Rxd1), the position had been stripped of its major attacking potential. Sindarov held a slightly better king position, but Nakamura’s bishops provided sufficient compensation.
With little scope for progress, both players shuffled their pieces before agreeing to a draw.
Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the eleventh round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Saturday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Matthias Bluebaum (Black) – R 11 Board
R Vaishali (Black) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (White) – R 11 Board
Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs Zhu Jiner (White) – R 11 Board
April 11, 2026 17:55
Enjoy chess, and try to play a lot: Caruana’s message to 8-year-olds picking up Chess – Watch
April 11, 2026 17:48
Sindarov first played Pragg when he was 7 years old. Listen below
April 11, 2026 17:46
Can Sindarov hold on to go all the way
Sindarov currently holds a good two-pointlead over the rest of the field. Praggnanandhaa is 4 points behind the leader with only four rounds remaining.
April 11, 2026 17:43
Praggnanandhaa vs Matthias Bluebaum
tonight
R Praggnanandhaa enters Round 11 after a defeat to open-section leader Javokhir Sindarov. Praggnanandhaa opened well, but a mid-game error under pressure led to the Indian’s resignation.
April 11, 2026 17:40
Tough contest awaits Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh’s campaign has been hindered in the last two rounds following losses to R Vaishali in Round 9 and to Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 10. She is playing Zhu Jiner tonight, against whom she lost in Round 5 earlier.
April 11, 2026 17:37
Women’s section as it stands
Vaishali is closely followed by Anna Muzychuk. Zhu Jiner is in second place with 5.5 points, and Goryachkina sits third with 5 points.
April 11, 2026 17:35
It is Vaishali vs Goryachkina today
R Vaishali enters the Round 11 contest tonight as the sole leader with 6 points. She will play Aleksandra Goryachkina with the black pieces today.
April 11, 2026 17:32
Women section pairings for Round 11 today
Kateryna Lagno — Anna Muzychuk Tan Zhongyi — Bibisara Assaubayeva Zhu Jiner — Divya Deshmukh Aleksandra Goryachkina — Vaishali Rameshbabu
April 11, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for Round 11 today
Anish Giri — Andrey Esipenko Hikaru Nakamura — Wei Yi Fabiano Caruana — Javokhir Sindarov Praggnanandhaa R — Matthias Bluebaum
April 11, 2026 17:31
We are nearing the final end of the tournament
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the FIDE Candidates 2026 taking place in Cyprus.
Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the eleventh round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Saturday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Matthias Bluebaum (Black) – R 11 Board
R Vaishali (Black) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (White) – R 11 Board
Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs Zhu Jiner (White) – R 11 Board
April 11, 2026 17:55
Enjoy chess, and try to play a lot: Caruana’s message to 8-year-olds picking up Chess – Watch
April 11, 2026 17:48
Sindarov first played Pragg when he was 7 years old. Listen below
April 11, 2026 17:46
Can Sindarov hold on to go all the way
Sindarov currently holds a good two-pointlead over the rest of the field. Praggnanandhaa is 4 points behind the leader with only four rounds remaining.
April 11, 2026 17:43
Praggnanandhaa vs Matthias Bluebaum
tonight
R Praggnanandhaa enters Round 11 after a defeat to open-section leader Javokhir Sindarov. Praggnanandhaa opened well, but a mid-game error under pressure led to the Indian’s resignation.
April 11, 2026 17:40
Tough contest awaits Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh’s campaign has been hindered in the last two rounds following losses to R Vaishali in Round 9 and to Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 10. She is playing Zhu Jiner tonight, against whom she lost in Round 5 earlier.
April 11, 2026 17:37
Women’s section as it stands
Vaishali is closely followed by Anna Muzychuk. Zhu Jiner is in second place with 5.5 points, and Goryachkina sits third with 5 points.
April 11, 2026 17:35
It is Vaishali vs Goryachkina today
R Vaishali enters the Round 11 contest tonight as the sole leader with 6 points. She will play Aleksandra Goryachkina with the black pieces today.
April 11, 2026 17:32
Women section pairings for Round 11 today
Kateryna Lagno — Anna Muzychuk Tan Zhongyi — Bibisara Assaubayeva Zhu Jiner — Divya Deshmukh Aleksandra Goryachkina — Vaishali Rameshbabu
April 11, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for Round 11 today
Anish Giri — Andrey Esipenko Hikaru Nakamura — Wei Yi Fabiano Caruana — Javokhir Sindarov Praggnanandhaa R — Matthias Bluebaum
April 11, 2026 17:31
We are nearing the final end of the tournament
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the FIDE Candidates 2026 taking place in Cyprus.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
#FIDE #Chess #Candidates #Live #Vaishali #aims #lead #intact #Divya #chases #Praggnanandhaa #action #IST">FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 Live, Round 11: Vaishali aims to keep lead intact as Divya chases, Praggnanandhaa in action from 6:15 PM IST
FIDE Candidates 2026: Check out all Live updates from Round 11 of the Candidates tournament happening in Cyprus on Saturday.
Welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the eleventh round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament happening in Cyprus on Saturday.
R Praggnanandhaa (White) vs Matthias Bluebaum (Black) – R 11 Board
R Vaishali (Black) vs Aleksandra Goryachkina (White) – R 11 Board
Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs Zhu Jiner (White) – R 11 Board
April 11, 2026 17:55
Enjoy chess, and try to play a lot: Caruana’s message to 8-year-olds picking up Chess – Watch
April 11, 2026 17:48
Sindarov first played Pragg when he was 7 years old. Listen below
April 11, 2026 17:46
Can Sindarov hold on to go all the way
Sindarov currently holds a good two-pointlead over the rest of the field. Praggnanandhaa is 4 points behind the leader with only four rounds remaining.
April 11, 2026 17:43
Praggnanandhaa vs Matthias Bluebaum
tonight
R Praggnanandhaa enters Round 11 after a defeat to open-section leader Javokhir Sindarov. Praggnanandhaa opened well, but a mid-game error under pressure led to the Indian’s resignation.
April 11, 2026 17:40
Tough contest awaits Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh’s campaign has been hindered in the last two rounds following losses to R Vaishali in Round 9 and to Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 10. She is playing Zhu Jiner tonight, against whom she lost in Round 5 earlier.
April 11, 2026 17:37
Women’s section as it stands
Vaishali is closely followed by Anna Muzychuk. Zhu Jiner is in second place with 5.5 points, and Goryachkina sits third with 5 points.
April 11, 2026 17:35
It is Vaishali vs Goryachkina today
R Vaishali enters the Round 11 contest tonight as the sole leader with 6 points. She will play Aleksandra Goryachkina with the black pieces today.
April 11, 2026 17:32
Women section pairings for Round 11 today
Kateryna Lagno — Anna Muzychuk Tan Zhongyi — Bibisara Assaubayeva Zhu Jiner — Divya Deshmukh Aleksandra Goryachkina — Vaishali Rameshbabu
April 11, 2026 17:32
Open section pairings for Round 11 today
Anish Giri — Andrey Esipenko Hikaru Nakamura — Wei Yi Fabiano Caruana — Javokhir Sindarov Praggnanandhaa R — Matthias Bluebaum
April 11, 2026 17:31
We are nearing the final end of the tournament
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s coverage of the FIDE Candidates 2026 taking place in Cyprus.
#FIDE #Candidates #Indians #action #Vaishali #Divya #Praggnanandhaa #stand">FIDE Candidates 2026, Indians in action: Where do Vaishali, Divya, Praggnanandhaa stand before Round 11?
The Indian contingent has had a mixed bag of results in the Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament, happening in Cyprus.
Vaishali (Black) secured a draw with Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, taking her tally to six points and consolidating her position at the top of the table in the women’s category. Meanwhile, Divya (White) lost to Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina to drop to second-last in the standings.
In the open category, Praggnanandhaa (Black) lost to the table-topper Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan, remaining in seventh place in the points table with four points.
Here are the remaining fixtures for the Indian players in the FIDE Candidates 2026.
Remaining FIDE Candidates 2026 fixtures for Indian players
Round 11 (April 11)
R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Matthias Bluebaum
R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina
Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Zhu Jiner
Round 12 (April 12)
R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Andrey Esipenko
R. Vaishali (White) vs. Zhu Jiner
Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Tan Zhongyi
Round 13 (April 14)
R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Fabiano Caruana
Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Kateryna Lagno
R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Tan Zhongyi
Round 14 (April 15)
R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Hikaru Nakamura
R. Vaishali (White) vs. Kateryna Lagno
Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva
Where to watch the FIDE Candidates 2026?
You can catch the Indian players live in action at the FIDE Candidates 2026 on the FIDE YouTube channel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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