Indian GM Vaishali Wins FIDE Grand Swiss, Becomes Third Indian Woman in 2026 Candidates Line-up

Vaishali Rameshbabu has won the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament for the second time in as many editions, sealing her victory with a final-round draw against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi in Uzbekistan. The 24-year-old Indian grandmaster finished the tournament with 8 points from 11 rounds, enough to clinch the title for a second consecutive year. 
 
 
With this win, Vaishali secured direct qualification for the prestigious 2026 Candidates Tournament. With this victory, Vaishali becomes the third Indian woman to qualify for the 2026 Candidates, joining Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh. 
 
 
In the previous edition, India had swept both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIDE Grand Swiss, with Vidit Gujrathi winning the latter.