Joint leader R Vaishali (7 points) will have to defeat last edition’s winner Tan Zhongy with the black pieces in the 13th and final round on Tuesday to give herself a good shot at the women’s candidate chess title in Cyprus after Monday’s rest day. However, that would be easier said than done.Of course, Zhongyi has struggled in this tournament with just five points and has been uncharacteristically inaccurate at times. On the other hand, with the help of a female psychologist, Vaishali is playing a far more balanced and composed chess game. Although computer algorithms may increase his level of accuracy, the 24-year-old, the tournament’s lowest seed, has yet to play elite-level chess.A win in the 13th round will ensure that Vaishali’s fate is in her own hands when she takes on Ukraine-turned-Russian Kateryna Ligno in the final round. If not, the world number 19 will have to rely on other results to either win the title or force a quick play-off if there is a tie for first place.Speed with genreWith Zhu Jin (also on 7 points) Vishal’s direct challenger for the Candidates’ title – and with it the right to challenge Jo Wenjin for the women’s world crown – the Chinese machinery will have no shortage of motivation to derail the Indian challenge.The top-seeded Jenner, who has yet to show the finesse and consistency expected of her, will play Russia’s Alexandra Gorychkina in the 13th round and Ukraine’s Anna Mozychuk in the final round with white pieces. Although Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva and Anna Muzuchuk (both 6.5 points) are still in contention on the women’s side, it is almost mandatory for them to win their remaining two rounds, which is not the case with Vaishali and Janir.Gary needs weapons against Sandroof.Only a win by Anish Giri (7 points) in the 13th round could deny runaway leader Javakhir Sindarov (9) from sealing the title – and a chance to beat De Gokesh for the world title – with one round to go. The shape of Sandroff indicates that such a defeat is very unlikely even with black pieces. Gray held Sundaroff to a draw after 85 moves in their first stage game.The Dutch GM, high on readiness and defense resources, is aware of the magnitude of the task.
