FIDE Candidates 2026, Round 2: Pragg secures draw to remain joint-lead; Divya, Vaishali play out draw in all-Indian clash

After his opening-round win over higher-ranked Anish Giri on Sunday, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw against Wei Yi in Round Two of the FIDE Candidates 2026 on Monday to remain in joint-lead of the standings.

Wei opened with the Petroff Defence, seeking control of the centre and leading to a complex, symmetrical structure. Praggnanandhaa used his rooks and minor pieces effectively to neutralise any breakthroughs, with both players maintaining a high level of accuracy throughout.

As the game approached the first time control, neither player could find a risk-free path to press for a win, and the contest fizzled out into a draw.

HIGHLIGHTS – FIDE Candidates Round 2

In the all-Indian clash in the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali played out a largely balanced game marked by sustained pressure and narrow escapes. Divya adopted a solid setup and entered a prolonged manoeuvring phase centred around her knight, forcing her opponent onto the defensive.

The defining feature of the game was Vaishali’s clock situation. She fell into severe time trouble early and had to play the final phase of the first session on the 30-second increment. While it would serve as a morale boost for Vaishali, who survived the time scramble, it was a missed opportunity for Divya, who had the space and initiative but could not convert it into a decisive result.

Elsewhere in the Open section, Matthias Bluebaum drew with Javokhir Sindarov, while the clash between Fabiano Caruana and Giri also ended in a draw.

In the women’s section, Zhu Jiner looked in control for long phases but was held to a draw by Bibisara Assaubayeva.

Published on Mar 30, 2026