In the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament on April 9, Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov strengthened his lead by defeating Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. This marked his sixth win, a new record in the event so far, showing his strong form and smart strategy. In the Women’s section, R Vaishali drew with Anna Muzychuk but still moved into sole lead. Both events in Cyprus are now entering a crucial stage.
2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament: Sindarov Beats Pragg Again
Javokhir Sindarov defeated R Praggnanandhaa with precise play, winning 1-0. This was his second win over Pragg and his sixth victory overall, setting a record in this format. Sindarov showed a calm strategy and strong endgame control. Praggnanandhaa fought hard but could not recover. With this result, Sindarov tightened his lead and looks in great form as the tournament moves ahead on the leaderboard this season.
Giri Holds Nakamura in Key Round 10 Candidates Clash
In the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament on April 9, Anish Giri faced Hikaru Nakamura in a crucial Round 10 game. Giri came in as the sole second after his Round 9 win and aimed to close the gap on the leader. The game was calm but deeply strategic, with both players showing strong preparation. Neither side made big mistakes, and the contest ended in a draw, keeping Giri firmly in the title race.
Caruana Faces Wei Yi in Crucial Candidates Round 10
Wei Yi faced Fabiano Caruana in a key Round 10 clash. Caruana looked to recover after two straight losses, while Wei Yi aimed to bounce back from missed chances in Round 9. The game was important for the race for second place, with both players showing careful and fighting play throughout.
Esipenko Meets Bluebaum in Round 10 Candidates Battle
Andrey Esipenko faced Matthias Bluebaum in Round 10. Both players were in the lower half of the table, so the game was about pride and improving standings. They played carefully and looked for chances, but the result did not impact the main title race at the top.
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Vaishali Holds Nerve to Lead After Round 10 Draw
R Vaishali showed great composure as she drew against Anna Muzychuk in Round 10 on April 9. The game was steady and balanced, with both players avoiding big risks. Vaishali’s calm defensive play helped her stay in control during key moments.
Even without a win, this result pushed her into a sole lead in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. Her consistency and smart decisions are now proving crucial as the competition enters its most important phase.
Open Section Standings: 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament
| Rank | Player | Points (After Round 10) | Performance Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Javokhir Sindarov | 6.5/10 | Tournament leader with 6 wins |
| 2 | Anish Giri | 6/10 | Consistent and close behind |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | 5.5/10 | Strong position in top race |
| 4 | Wei Yi | 5/10 | Mixed but competitive form |
| 5 | Fabiano Caruana | 4.5/10 | Slipped after recent losses |
| 6 | R Praggnanandhaa | 4.5/10 | Lost ground in Round 10 |
| 7 | Andrey Esipenko | 4/10 | Lower half standings |
| 8 | Matthias Bluebaum | 3.5/10 | Currently at the bottom |
Women’s Section Standings: Vaishali Leads Standings
| Rank | Player | Status | Performance Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | R Vaishali | Leader | Sole leader after consistent results |
| 2 | Anna Muzychuk | Second | Close behind in standings |
| 3 | Aleksandra Goryachkina | Contender | In strong contention |
| 4 | Tan Zhongyi | Contender | Still in the race |
| 5 | Zhu Jiner | Mid-table | Balanced performance |
| 6 | Bibisara Assaubayeva | Mid-table | Holding a steady position |
| 7 | Kateryna Lagno | Lower half | Needs a strong finish |
