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RVaishali Defends Women’s Grand Swiss Title to Clinch 2026 Candidates Berth

Superior tie-breaks following a final-round draw with Tan Zhongyi delivered the win in Samarkand.

Overview

  • Vaishali finished on 8/11 alongside Kateryna Lagno but prevailed on tie-breaks to retain the crown.
  • A solid Round 11 draw with the Black pieces against former world champion Tan Zhongyi sealed the result.
  • She becomes the first player to win the Women’s Grand Swiss twice and the first to do it back-to-back.
  • India now has three confirmed women in the 2026 Candidates — Vaishali, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh — with one berth still to be decided.
  • Lagno takes the other Women’s Grand Swiss qualifying place for the 2026 Candidates.