Chennai
R Vaishali showed remarkable resilience to escape with a draw against compatriot Divya Deshmukh in a gripping all-Indian encounter in the second round of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus.
Vaishali appeared to be heading towards defeat after a costly middlegame blunder left her position vulnerable. Deshmukh, playing with the white pieces, capitalised on the error and seized a crucial pawn advantage, putting her firmly in control of the contest.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the closing stages as both players came under severe time pressure. With less than 90 seconds remaining before the time control, accuracy became difficult to maintain. Deshmukh missed a key opportunity when she opted for 37.Qg3 instead of the more precise continuation, allowing Vaishali a lifeline.
Sensing the shift, Vaishali responded with a sequence of precise and resourceful moves to stabilise her position. Her defensive play under pressure drew praise, as she managed to neutralise the advantage and steer the game towards a balanced endgame. The players eventually agreed to a draw, sharing the points after an intense battle.
The result highlighted Vaishali’s fighting spirit and composure, particularly in a tournament of such high stakes where every half-point can prove decisive.
In the open section, R Praggnanandhaa followed up his opening-round victory with a solid draw against China’s Wei Yi. Playing with the black pieces, Praggnanandhaa managed to create some chances but was unable to convert them into a tangible advantage, allowing his opponent to equalise.
Other matches in the round also ended in draws, underlining the closely contested nature of the tournament. With top players evenly matched, early rounds have seen cautious yet competitive play.
As the Candidates tournament progresses, both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa will look to build momentum and stay in contention for a shot at the world title, with consistency and nerve likely to play a crucial role in determining the eventual challengers.