R Vaishali scripts history, wins FIDE Womens Grand Swiss title for 2nd consecutive time to qualify for Candidates
Indian GM R Vaishali won the Women's Grand Swiss title for the second time in a row on Monday. She also booked her spot in the prestigious Candidates tournament next year.
Indian chess Grand Master R Vaishali scripted history on Monday by becoming the first Indian to successfully defend her FIDE Women's Grand Swiss title. The Indian chess star drew her final-round match against China's Tan Zhongyi to clinch the title for the second time in a row. With her memorable triumph, Vaishali also secured her entry into the prestigious Candidates tournament next year.
Up against Women's World Champion Tan Zhongyi, Vaishali showcased incredible composure and held her nerves under pressure to secure a draw. Her draw helped her secure the sole leadership in the tournament, helping her become the first Indian to defend her Grand Swiss title. She is also the first player to win back-to-back titles in the tournament.
She won her maiden title in 2023 and has successfully defended it this year. The draw against Zhongyi in her final round clash helped her finish with 8 points from 11 matches, which was enough to see her clinch the title for the second time in a row.
Her title triumph also helped Vaishali become the third Indian woman to enter the Candidates Tournament next year. She will join the experienced Koneru Humpy and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh in the Candidates 2026. Both Humpy and Deshmukh qualified for the women's category at the Candidates after impressing in the FIDE Women's World Cup earlier this year.
The Candidates is a crucial tournament as it will decide the challenger who will take on the reigning Women's World Chess Champion, Ju Wenjun of China.
R Vaishali credits Chennai Masters learnings for her victory
Vaishali, who endured a difficult run at the Chennai Grand Masters earlier this year, credited her learnings from the tournament for her victory at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025. The Indian Grand Master revealed she changed a lot of things in her game to ensure she can bounce back from her disappointing run at the Chennai Grand Masters.
"I had a tough tournament in Chennai Grand Masters. After Chennai, I decided against participating in the Grand Swiss. I lost seven games in a row, it was hard for me. In the last few weeks, I tried to change a lot of things. The Chennai Grand Masters results were too much for me to take. However, in a way, this Chennai experience is the reason I won the tournament,” Vaishali told ChessBase India after her victory.
Vaishali will now make her second appearance at the Women's Candidates next year and will compete alongside Divya and Humpy, strengthening India's chances in the tournament. One of the most consistent performers over the last couple of years, Vaishali's rise showcases India's emerging dominance in women's chess.