While the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus has already reached its conclusion with Javokhir Sindarov securing victory, the drama is far from over. On the final day, all eyes turn to the Women’s Candidates, where everything is still wide open. Vaishali and Assaubayeva lead by half a point, but remarkably, four other players still have a theoretical chance to pull off something extraordinary.
We take you once more into the playing hall, another raw, immersive experience as the world’s best players make their way inside. Focused, silent… and carrying some unexpected items. We counted five handbags, two jackets, a smoothie, a drink, and even a magical banana.
Outside the hall, the atmosphere is just as lively. We stop by Sagar Shah’s broadcast and chat with Sindarov’s second, Mukhiddin Madaminov, as the tension builds across the venue.
Fresh off his triumph, Sindarov meets the fans, signing boards, books, and taking time to answer questions in the fan zone, still processing one of the biggest moments of his career.
And then, the final twist.
Vaishali delivers. She wins her game.
Assaubayeva, meanwhile, can only draw against Divya Deshmukh.
Everything is decided.
Outside, the Rameshbabu family waits, and when Vaishali emerges, the moment says it all. Joy, relief, disbelief. A perfect ending.
This marks the final day for the ChessBase team in Cyprus.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
