Joint-leader R Vaishali (7 points) needs to beat last edition’s winner Tan Zhongyi in the 13th and penultimate round on Tuesday, with black pieces, to give herself a good shot at the women’s candidates chess title in Cyprus after Monday’s rest day. However, that will be easier said than done.Of course, Zhongyi might be struggling in this tournament with only five points and has been uncharacteristically inaccurate at times. On the other hand, aided by a woman psychologist, Vaishali is playing far more balanced and composed chess. Though the computer algorithm may inflate her accuracy level, the 24year-old, the lowest seed in the tournament, is yet to play elite-level chess.A win in the 13th round would ensure that Vaishali will have her fate in her own hands when she faces Ukrainianturned-Russian Kateryna Lagno in the last round. If not, the world No. 19 will have to depend on other results going her way either to win the title or force rapid playoffs, if there is a tie for first place.Momentum with JinerWith Zhu Jiner (also on 7 points) being Vaishal’s direct competitor for the Candidates title — and with that a right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the women’s World crown — the Chinese machinery won’t be lacking in motivation to derail the Indian challenge.Top seed Jiner, not yet showing the sharpness and consistency expected from her, will play Russian Alexsandra Goryachkina with white pieces in the 13th round and Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk in the last round. Though Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan and Anna Muzuchuk (both 6.5 points) are still in contention in the women’s section, it is almost mandatory for them to win their remaining two rounds, which is not the case with Vaishali and Jiner.Giri needs weapons against SindarovOnly a win by Anish Giri (7 points) in the 13th round can deny runaway leader Javokhir Sindarov (9) from sealing the title — and with that a chance to dethrone D Gukesh for the world title — with a round to spare. Sindarov’s form is indicative that such a defeat, even with black pieces, is highly unlikely. Giri had held Sindarov to a draw in their first-leg game after 85 moves.The Dutch GM, high on preparation and defensive resources, is aware of the enormity of the task.
