Candidates Round 9: Vaishali, Zhu Lead as Giri Emerges

With only five rounds to go, GM Javokhir Sindarov maintains his point-and-a-half lead in the 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament.

Smiles at the start of Bluebaum – Sindarov. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza)

He did, however, have one opportunity today to extend his lead to a full two points.

When asked about 24. … Qb7, and whether, at this point, he’s trying to avoid complications, Sindarov explained that he generally wants to play safe, but didn’t spend too much time on the move and was surprised to see on the computer that the evaluation of the position is winning for Black.

Sindarov was unable to convert an advantage on Wednesday for what would have been a record-breaking sixth win in a Candidates tournament. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Niki Riga)

He did not think 24. … Qb7 was a natural move, and only in the post-game analysis did he realize that White cannot do anything, and … Bc6xa4 is unstoppable.

Sindarov’s miss keeps the tournament more interesting, and now there is now a new player who has risen in the standings.

Caruana lost his second consecutive game, this time to Anish Giri, who now takes Caruana's place as Sindarov's closest competitor. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza)

GM Anish Giri defeated GM Fabiano Caruana with the black pieces, thus putting himself in clear second place and a full point ahead of Caruana, who was, until now, the only one keeping pace with Sindarov.

Graphic courtesy of FIDE

There was a big shakeup in the standings in the Women’s section, where GM Zhu Jiner defeated close rival GM Kateryna Lagno, taking the lead for the first time.

Zhu Jiner (L) stormed out to another advantage on Wednesday, converting elegantly to claim a share of the lead. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza)

Zhu was joined by GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, who defeated her countrywoman GM Divya Deshmukh. This marks her third win in four games.

Don't call it a comeback! Vaishali Rameshbabu (L) won her third game in four rounds to claim a share of the lead. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza)

Vaishali is quite capable of going on winning streaks, as she did during 2024 Toronto Candidates, winning her last four games. The two leaders are now half a point ahead of GM Anna Muzychuk.