Round 10 sees decisive shifts in standings as Indian contenders face mixed fortunes in Cyprus
The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 witnessed a crucial shake-up in Round 10, with Javokhir Sindarov strengthening his position at the top of the open section after defeating India’s R Praggnanandhaa. The tournament, being held in Cyprus, is nearing its decisive phase as players compete for a spot in the World Championship.
In the women’s section, R Vaishali emerged as the sole leader, while Divya Deshmukh suffered a setback despite being in a strong position.
Sindarov Strengthens Grip on Open Section
Sindarov secured a key victory over Praggnanandhaa to move to eight points, extending his lead at the top of the standings.
The Indian grandmaster started on a solid note but made a critical error in the middlegame, allowing Sindarov to seize control and convert his advantage with precision. The result marked Sindarov’s second win over Praggnanandhaa in the tournament.
Other matches in the round ended in draws, including encounters involving Anish Giri, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Wei Yi, allowing Sindarov to maintain a comfortable lead.
Women’s Section: Vaishali Moves Ahead
In the women’s competition, Vaishali continued her consistent run by holding Anna Muzychuk to a draw. The result took her to six points, placing her at the top of the leaderboard.
Her performance has been marked by steady play and strong defensive technique, enabling her to convert stable positions into valuable points.
Deshmukh Misses Opportunity
Divya Deshmukh, however, experienced a setback after failing to capitalise on a promising position against Aleksandra Goryachkina. Under time pressure, she lost her advantage and eventually conceded the game.
Elsewhere, Bibisara Assaubayeva registered a win over Zhu Jiner, while another match between leading contenders ended in a draw.
Context: High Stakes in Candidates Tournament
The FIDE Candidates Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in chess, determining the challenger for the World Championship title. With a limited number of rounds, each result significantly impacts the standings.
As the tournament approaches its final stages, even small mistakes can alter the outcome, making consistency and precision critical.
Public Impact
The performances of Indian players continue to draw attention from chess enthusiasts, reflecting the country’s growing strength in the sport.
Strong results at the Candidates level can inspire grassroots participation and reinforce India’s position as a rising force in international chess.
Conclusion
With Sindarov holding a clear lead in the open section and Vaishali emerging as a frontrunner in the women’s event, the FIDE Candidates 2026 is entering a निर्णining phase. The remaining rounds will be crucial in deciding who earns the coveted opportunity to compete for the World Championship title.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
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Last Updated on: Friday, April 10, 2026 4:16 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Friday, April 10, 2026 4:16 pm | News Categories: Sports
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