In the world of competitive chess, debates often arise about which format best determines a worthy champion. Each system has its own unique challenges and unforgiving demands.

• The Knockout Format: As seen in the FIDE World Cup, it leaves virtually no margin for error, though players get a chance to redeem themselves with the reverse color.

• The Swiss Format: Used in the FIDE Grand Swiss, it keeps players in suspense, as you never know your next opponent until pairings are released. The winners face winners, ensuring you are constantly up against in-form opponents.

• The Round-Robin: Like in the Candidates Tournament, you know your set of opponents in advance but have very limited time to prepare for each round.

• The Match Format: A one-on-one duel, requiring endless preparation against a single rival, ultimately defining the World Champion.

To be crowned the best in the world, a player must master—if not outright conquer—all of these daunting formats at some point in their career.

On Monday, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan—an ancient Silk Road hub—Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali did just that. She successfully defended her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title, emerging victorious in the notoriously unpredictable Swiss system. By doing so, she secured her spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, giving her a second opportunity within two years to challenge for the Women’s World Chess Championship.

Vaishali’s Remarkable Triumph

For Vaishali, this victory is more than just another title. It represents a breakthrough moment in her career. Despite being only the third Indian female Grandmaster and one of the country’s strongest women’s players, she has often carried the label of inconsistency—sometimes faltering under pressure and failing to maintain momentum.

Yet in Samarkand, she defied that reputation. Ironically, she excelled in the format that demands the highest level of consistency. Success in the Swiss system requires deep preparation, unwavering focus, momentum management, and even a touch of luck. Vaishali demonstrated all of these qualities, silencing her critics and rewriting her narrative.

Her victory is historic. Until now, no player—male or female—had ever defended the Grand Swiss title in its short but prestigious history. At just 24 years old, Vaishali from Chennai broke that jinx, achieving a feat that will be remembered for years to come.

Comparing Her 2023 and 2025 Triumphs

When asked whether her 2023 victory or the 2025 win in Samarkand meant more, Vaishali admitted it was impossible to choose.

• On her 2023 Grand Swiss win: “It came at exactly the right moment. I hadn’t been playing well, but during that event, I made my final GM norm and even secured a fourth GM norm. Everything clicked perfectly, and it completely transformed my year.”

• On her 2025 Grand Swiss win: “This year, things weren’t going my way despite working very hard. My results didn’t reflect my preparation, and I dropped many rating points. This victory is very crucial for me going forward.”

Her resilience is evident. After qualifying for the 2024 Candidates in Toronto, she suffered a painful reality check, losing four games in a row. But instead of collapsing, she fought back with five straight wins, finishing joint-second with Koneru Humpy and China’s Lei Tingjie. These setbacks, she believes, forged her mental strength:

“The tough moments made me stronger as a player and as a person. Losing four games in a row at the Candidates, for instance, gave me the resilience I needed.”

The Rameshbabu family together after Vaishali became the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025! Enjoy some cute moments of @rpraggnachess, @chessvaishali and their mother Nagalakshmi after the prize ceremony. pic.twitter.com/7WZ3a3Jk9D— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 15, 2025

The Samarkand Decider: Vaishali vs Tan Zhongyi

The 2025 Grand Swiss finale came down to an intense Round 11 clash against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi. Vaishali, playing Black, needed at least a draw to secure both the title and a Candidates spot.

In a tense, complex middlegame, she defended brilliantly. Despite being a pawn down in the endgame, Vaishali displayed calm nerves and expert technique, securing the half-point she needed.

Her overall performance—six wins, four draws, and only one loss—showcased her consistency and maturity. “I’m happy I didn’t collapse under pressure,” she told the media, referencing the seven straight defeats she had endured earlier at the Chennai Grand Masters, which nearly shattered her confidence.

Vaishali’s Chess Journey

Vaishali’s chess journey has been one of steady progression, marked by both brilliance and setbacks.

• At 12 years old, she famously defeated Magnus Carlsen in a simultaneous exhibition, foreshadowing her immense potential.

• She claimed world youth titles in the U12 and U14 girls’ categories.

• She earned the Woman International Master (WIM) title at 15, the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title at 17, and became an International Master (IM) at 20.

• In 2023, she achieved the coveted Grandmaster title, becoming only the third Indian woman to do so.

Her steady climb through the ranks reflects years of hard work, resilience, and a refusal to give up—even after career-threatening slumps.

🇮🇳 Vaishali Rameshbabu (@chessvaishali) being awarded her medal and winner’s trophy by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich at the closing ceremony of the Women's #FIDEGrandSwiss. pic.twitter.com/0rNPAsGDBw— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 15, 2025

India’s Rising Chess Stars: The Bigger Picture

While Vaishali celebrated a career-defining win, the tournament was bittersweet for Indian chess.

• Arjun Erigaisi narrowly missed out on a Candidates spot yet again, finishing just 0.5 points behind Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum. This was his fifth near-miss after heartbreaks at the 2023 World Cup, the FIDE Circuit leaderboard, and the 2023 Grand Swiss, where he also finished agonizingly close.

• Vidit Gujrathi, the defending champion, along with Nihal Sarin and Arjun, tied for third place with 7 points.

• D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion, had a disappointing event, finishing 40th with 6 points.

• Divya Deshmukh impressed by scoring 5/11 against elite male opponents, finishing ahead of legends like Levon Aronian and Alexander Grischuk.

India’s chess ecosystem is stronger than ever, with multiple players simultaneously making waves on the global stage.

A Historic and Unprecedented Feat

With her back-to-back Grand Swiss victories, Vaishali is now the first and only player in history to defend the title successfully. Her triumph also means India will have three female representatives—Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, and Vaishali herself—competing in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

This historic moment is seen as a continuation of the Viswanathan Anand era, with Indian chess families like the Rameshbabus dominating the global stage. Notably, her younger brother R. Praggnanandhaa will play in the Open Candidates, making them one of the most formidable chess sibling duos in history.

So proud of you, akka! 🏆
Winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss is such an incredible achievement. The confidence and determination you’ve shown throughout the tournament has been truly inspiring.

Big congratulations on this amazing victory! ♟️ pic.twitter.com/u6gMGaOgdw— Praggnanandhaa (@rpraggnachess) September 15, 2025

Celebrations Across India

Vaishali’s win was celebrated nationwide.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her, calling it an “outstanding accomplishment” and praising her dedication and passion as exemplary.

• FIDE officials and chess leaders hailed her as an inspiration for young athletes, noting that her journey reflects the message that setbacks don’t define champions—resilience does.

Her humility, calm under pressure, and unwavering sportsmanship have positioned her as a role model for aspiring chess players across India and beyond.

Final Thoughts

R. Vaishali’s journey is more than just a story of titles and trophies—it’s a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of believing in one’s craft. By conquering the most unforgiving of chess formats, she has proven herself a world-class competitor and a true symbol of India’s chess renaissance.

As three Indian women prepare to battle for the world title in the 2026 Candidates, and her brother Praggnanandhaa rises in the Open circuit, India stands at the threshold of a new golden era in chess.

Vaishali’s message is clear: setbacks may shape your journey, but resilience defines your destiny.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.