Defeats Russian star to strengthen lead; Praggnanandhaa settles for a draw as three rounds remain
Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu delivered another impressive performance at the FIDE Chess Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, securing a crucial victory in the women’s category. In the 11th round, Vaishali defeated Russia’s Alexandra Goryachkina, maintaining her position at the top of the points table and further strengthening her lead in the tournament.
With this win, Vaishali now has 7 points after 11 rounds and is one point ahead of the players placed in second position. Her consistent and confident gameplay has been one of the highlights of the tournament so far. She has shown a perfect blend of composure and attacking strategy, especially in high-pressure situations, which has helped her secure key victories.
Meanwhile, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw in his match. While he managed to avoid defeat and secure a valuable point, the result did not significantly improve his standing in the tournament.
As the tournament heads into its final phase, only three rounds remain, making every match extremely crucial. Even a minor mistake at this stage could have a significant impact on the standings. Vaishali now has a golden opportunity to maintain her lead and move closer to clinching the title. If she continues her current form, she is well on track to create history with a remarkable performance in one of chess’s most prestigious events.