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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on Apr 15, 2026