‘Dream moment to play in World Championship’, says R. Vaishali after Chess Candidates title

Grandmaster R. Vaishali, who returned to Chennai on Sunday (April 19, 2026) after clinching the Candidates title, expressed joy, calling it a “dream moment” to be playing in a World Championship as she prepares for her maiden appearance.

“First of all, I’m very happy that I’ve won the Candidates. It’s a dream moment for me to be playing in a World Championship because, as a kid, I followed many World Championship matches, and now I’ll be playing one. I’m very excited and looking forward to it,” she said on her arrival at the Chennai airport from Cyprus.