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.
China's Zhu Jiner defeated India's R Vaishali with the black pieces in round 12 of the Caro-Kann Defense. Playing white, Vaishali faced time pressure early, spending nearly 50 minutes on her 10th and 13th moves.
On her 16th move Rc2, Vaishali had just 17 minutes and 59 seconds left, while Zhu had nearly an hour. In the complex position, Vaishali's decisive 36th-move error Rc1 allowed Zhu to advance a pawn and launch a checkmate threat, forcing resignation.
Divya Deshmukh lost to Tan Zhongyi, who secured her first win of the tournament. Anna Muzychuk drew with pre-tournament favorite Aleksandra Goryachkina after faltering in a winning endgame. Bibisara Assaubayeva beat Kateryna Lagno, placing her and Muzychuk half a point behind the leaders.
In the open section, Javokhir Sindarov drew with Hikaru Nakamura. India's R Praggnanandhaa drew against Andrey Esipenko.