- GM Javokhir Sindarov holds a two-point lead with three rounds remaining in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament
- All 11 games in round 11 ended in draws, keeping Sindarov’s comfortable advantage intact
- GM Vaishali Rameshbabu scored the only decisive result in the women’s tournament, extending her lead to a full point
- Round 12 begins on April 12 with potential match-ups between leading competitors and their closest rivals
Sindarov Consolidates Position After Round 11 Draws
GM Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan maintained his commanding position in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament after round 11, where all games ended in draws. The tournament leader now sits two points ahead of the field with only three rounds remaining before a new challenger emerges to face FIDE World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju.
Sindarov’s consistency continued as he held his ground against GM Fabiano Caruana in a tightly contested game. The result preserved Sindarov’s substantial advantage over the competition, emphasizing his steady approach to closing out the tournament.
Round 11 Results and Notable Performances
GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu came closest to breaking the draw streak, pressing GM Matthias Bluebaum in what appeared to be a winnable position. However, Bluebaum managed to hold on for his 10th consecutive draw of the tournament. Meanwhile, GM Anish Giri failed to convert an isolated-pawn advantage against GM Andrey Esipenko, and GM Hikaru Nakamura took the quickest route to a draw against GM Wei Yi.
The drawish nature of round 11 suited Sindarov’s approach, allowing him to maintain his cushion without risk. With white pieces in two of his remaining three games, the Uzbek grandmaster appears well-positioned to claim the title.
Vaishali’s Decisive Victory Shifts Women’s Race
In the women’s tournament, GM Vaishali Rameshbabu was the only player to secure a decisive victory in round 11. The Indian grandmaster demonstrated superior tactical awareness against GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, trapping her opponent’s rook in the center of the board to force a resignation. This victory marked Vaishali’s fourth win in six games.
Vaishali’s aggressive approach has paid significant dividends, as she now leads the women’s field by a full point with three rounds remaining. As the lowest seed in the tournament, her performance represents one of the standout stories of the 2026 competition.
Competitors Fail to Close the Gap
GMs Zhu Jiner and Anna Muzychuk, who occupy second place in the women’s standings, both fell short of gaining ground on the leader. Zhu was held to a draw by GM Kateryna Lagno, while Muzychuk could not break through GM Divya Deshmukh’s defense. These results allowed Vaishali to extend her advantage when her rivals stumbled.
GM Tan Zhongyi had an opportunity to notch her first victory, achieving a favorable position against GM Bibisara Assaubayeva, but a rushed decision at the critical moment cost her the win. The missed opportunity highlighted how narrow the margin for error remains with three rounds to play.
Looking Ahead to Round 12
Round 12 will take place on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time (14:45 CEST / 6:15 p.m. IST). In the men’s tournament, a key subplot emerges as GM Hikaru Nakamura can no longer mathematically win the event, raising questions about how aggressively he will pursue his opportunities in the remaining rounds.
The women’s round 12 features Vaishali facing one of her two closest rivals with white pieces, a matchup that could prove decisive. A victory would substantially advance her path to the title, while a loss could introduce unpredictability into the final standings.
Live coverage is available through Chess24’s YouTube and Twitch channels, with broadcasts hosted by GM Judit Polgar, GM David Howell, and John Sargent. Games can also be followed from the official events page.