The FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus has reached a critical stage with just two rounds remaining. India's R Vaishali and China's Zhu Jiner are currently tied for the lead at 7.0 points each after Vaishali's recent defeat against Zhu. To secure her position as the outright winner and challenge world champion Ju Wenjun, Vaishali needs to win both of her remaining matches. If she manages to score 1.5 points, she could still win, but her fate would depend on Zhu's results. A draw in either of Vaishali's matches would put her at 8.0 points, allowing other contenders like Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk and Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva to potentially overtake her. With four players still in the hunt, any loss could be detrimental to Vaishali's championship aspirations. She is scheduled to face Tan Zhongyi of China in Round 13 on April 14 and Kateryna Lagno in the final round on April 15.