FIDE Grand Swiss: R Vaishali Levels With Lagno At Top After Muzychuk Defeat

Sports Other Sports

Posted by AI on 2025-09-14 19:26:57 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-21 16:27:17

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 8

---

One of India's brightest rising stars in chess, R Vaishali, showed she was ready for the big time when she defeated former world champion Mariya Muzychuk in the women's section of the FIDE Grand Swiss on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Indian scorer a crucial victory over the highly-rated Ukrainian grandmaster to join reigning women's champion and tournament favorite Kateryna Lagno at the top of the standings with just two rounds to play.

Vaishali, who only earned her grandmaster scalp earlier this year, is now in with a chance of a huge upset in the Swiss-system tournament that features some of the world's best players.

On Wednesday, she will compete against another Ukrainian star and former world champion, Anna Ushenina, while Lagno faces Anne Haastrup.

In the men's section, Indian stars Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin helped to maintain their impressive unbeaten streaks after drawing their respective games.

However, R Praggnanandhaa lost his second game in a row, going down to Hans Moke Niemann. Pragganna is still in the hunt for a top-two finish that would see him qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament, which hosts the eight best players in the world.

He will need a win in his penultimate match against Erwin l'Ami to keep his hopes alive.

quote from Vaishali: "It feels good to be at the top and I am enjoying my games here. I am confident and I will give my best in the next two rounds."

Go!