Vaishali Rameshbabu’s remarkable comeback at the Candidates Tournament has been a testament to her resilience and determination. After a disastrous start with four consecutive losses, the 22-year-old Indian prodigy rallied to win five straight games, finishing tied second with 7.5 points.
Vaishali’s turnaround began with a crucial victory over Nurgyul Salimova in Round 10. The Bulgarian was on the verge of victory but self-destructed, giving Vaishali the breakthrough she desperately needed.
“In such tournaments, luck plays an important role,” Vaishali acknowledged. “It’s not entirely about how well you prepare or play.”
Despite her initial setbacks, Vaishali remained confident in her abilities. “I knew I wasn’t a favorite by rating, but I’d beaten most of the players in the field before,” she said.
Her most satisfying win came against top seed Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11. Vaishali played the Alapin Sicilian with precision and went on to win with a Knight underpromotion.
“I could have settled for a draw, but I was looking to take every chance that came my way,” she said. “I’m pretty proud of that game.”
Vaishali’s comeback was not without its emotional challenges. “After three losses in a row, I completely gave up,” she admitted. “But I was determined to get back in shape and fight.”
Her brother, Praggnanandhaa, provided support during her struggles. “We would discuss our games, but I didn’t want to burden him with my emotions,” Vaishali said.
On the final day of play, Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the Open section. “We could feel the pressure and tension even though it wasn’t us playing,” Vaishali said. “I felt happy to see Gukesh make it in the end.”
Vaishali’s comeback story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in competitive chess. “I may not have won the tournament, but those last few wins certainly made a huge difference,” she said.
