In the intricate world of 64 squares, where strategies unfold and destinies are decided by a single move, R Vaishali recently scripted a comeback story that could inspire even the most stoic grandmasters. At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Vaishali not only defended her coveted title but also clinched a coveted spot in the 2026 FIDE Women`s Candidates tournament. A remarkable achievement, yes, but its true significance lies not just in the trophy lifted, but in the arduous path traveled to reach that elevated podium.
For anyone tracking Vaishali’s journey in 2025, the year had presented more checks than checkmates. It was, by her own admission, a season of struggle. A series of challenging performances had cast a long shadow over her classical chess game. From a disheartening 1.5 points out of nine rounds in the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, to early exits in the Women`s World Cup, and various Grand Prix and Challengers events, Vaishali found herself in an unfamiliar territory where confidence seemed to have packed its bags and gone on an extended vacation. The board, usually her sanctuary, had become a daunting arena of self-doubt.
The mental toll was profound. So much so that, in the aftermath of her Chennai struggles, Vaishali seriously contemplated withdrawing from the Grand Swiss altogether. The thought of facing another tournament, another potential stumble, was simply too much. It was at this critical juncture that the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie shone through. Her brother, the prodigious R Praggnanandhaa, alongside fellow GM Karthikeyan Murali, stepped in. Their `convincing` conversations, one might imagine, were less about grand strategies and more about reminding a champion of her inherent strength, gently nudging her back towards the battlefield she was born to conquer. It was a testament to the power of a supportive circle, transforming doubt into resolve.
With newfound, albeit fragile, determination, Vaishali dedicated the two weeks preceding the Grand Swiss to rigorous self-assessment. Her game, she acknowledged, had developed `bad habits.` Continuous lapses in middlegames and endgames had become her Achilles` heel. This wasn`t merely about memorizing openings; it was a deep dive into the very fabric of her play, identifying and systematically correcting the patterns that had led to a `full week of losing` – a period she described as `so bad` for her mental state. This meticulous preparation, often unseen, is the bedrock of any great comeback.
The Grand Swiss began with a promising rhythm. Three consecutive victories against Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Eline Roebers, and Olga Badelka provided the much-needed `shot in the arm` for her confidence. These early successes were not just points on the scoreboard; they were affirmations of her renewed belief. However, the path of redemption is rarely linear. A tough loss in the eighth round to Bibisara Assaubayeva, particularly so close to the finish line, could have been debilitating. Yet, like a true champion, Vaishali displayed remarkable resilience, drawing against Yuxin Song and Tan Zhongyi, bookending a superb win against Mariya Muzychuk. Her final score of 8 points over 11 rounds placed her level with Kateryna Lagno, but it was Vaishali`s superior tie-break score that sealed her title defense.
Vaishali`s triumph adds another glorious chapter to what has been an extraordinary year for Indian women`s chess. With Divya Deshmukh winning the World Cup and Koneru Humpy reaching its final, Vaishali`s qualification as the third Indian woman for the 2026 Candidates tournament solidifies India`s burgeoning presence on the global chess stage. This isn`t just about individual glory; it`s about a nation rising in the intellectual sport.
With the Grand Swiss crown firmly back on her head and a spot in the Candidates secured, R Vaishali now has the invaluable gift of `calm confidence.` This period allows her to meticulously prepare for the ultimate challenge: vying for the right to play for the Women`s World Championship. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of daunting setbacks, with introspection, perseverance, and the right support, one can always navigate the storm and emerge stronger. The World Championship dream, for R Vaishali, is now not just alive, but radiating with renewed vigor.
