Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Triumphs in World Blitz Championship Qualifiers

Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali clinched victory in the women's qualifier of the World Blitz Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals. Scoring 9.5 points, Vaishali surpassed Kateryna Lagno, who finished second with 8.5 points. Vaishali will face Chinese Grandmaster Zhu Jiner in the quarterfinals.

Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali shone brightly, clinching the women's qualifier victory at the World Blitz Championship to secure her spot in the quarterfinals.

Vaishali amassed 9.5 points during the event, leaving Russian competitor Kateryna Lagno trailing with 8.5 points, while Komeru Humpy, despite qualifying, was knocked out due to tiebreakers. In the upcoming quarterfinals, Vaishali is set to compete against Chinese Grandmaster Zhu Jiner, strengthening her status with consecutive wins against notable opponents in earlier rounds.

The open section saw a competitive tie with ten players, including world number one Magnus Carlsen. Carlsen showcased timely scoring and strategic draws to share the top spots with co-leaders. Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi topped this segment through superior tiebreak results.

(With inputs from agencies.)