R Vaishali
In round 12 of the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, India's R Vaishali lost to China's Zhu Jiner, leaving both tied at seven points with two rounds remaining. The title race is now wide open. Fellow Indian Divya Deshmukh also lost her match.
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R Vaishali defeated Russia's Aleksandra Goryachkina in round 11 to claim the sole lead in the Women's Candidates tournament. This extended her advantage over second-placed Zhu Jiner to a full point. India's Divya Deshmukh held Jiner to a draw.