Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa suffered his third defeat of the ongoing Candidates Tournament, further denting his campaign in one of the most closely followed events in elite chess. The setback adds pressure as the tournament progresses into its decisive phase.

Praggnanandhaa, who entered the Candidates with high expectations following a strong run of performances on the international circuit, has struggled to maintain consistency against the world’s top-ranked players. His latest loss marks a significant moment in a challenging campaign, as every point becomes increasingly crucial in the standings.

The Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship, has featured intense competition across both the open and women’s sections. With multiple rounds still to be played, the standings remain fluid, but individual results are beginning to shape the final outcome.

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In the women’s section, Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali delivered a strong performance to move into sole lead, strengthening her position at the top of the table. Her consistent results have made her one of the standout performers of the tournament so far.

Vaishali’s rise to the top has added further excitement for Indian chess fans, as she continues to build momentum in a high-pressure field featuring some of the strongest women players in the world. With several rounds remaining, the competition for the top spot remains open, but her current lead places her in a strong position heading into the final stages.

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