Underdog syndrome is a psychological condition in which individuals, believing the odds are stacked against them, use this pressure to foster intense motivation, resilience, and creativity, often exceeding expectations. Perhaps this is the best way to sum up R Vaishali’s impressive victory in the 2026 polls. Her triumph was against all odds and it needed several things to pull it off.
Vaishali qualified among the contenders by winning the Grand Swiss for the second time, as she did in 2024. However, the build-up to the tournament was far from ideal. She was the lowest ranked player in the field and few gave her a chance against seasoned names like Kateryna Lagno, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Zhu Jiner, Tan Zhongyi, Anna Muzychuk and Aleksandra Goryachkina.
The field was stacked. Tan Zhongyi is a former world champion and a permanent member of the candidate team. Bibisara is the world champion in blitz, while Lagno has multiple titles in rapid and blitz. Goryachkina won the Nos in 2019. Divya Deshmukh became a World Cup winner, while Zhu Jiner achieved a top ranking of world No. 2. Vaishali, by comparison, he didn’t win a major world title. Still, she held her ground.
A SCAMMER FROM BEGINNING TO FINISH
The first four rounds set the tone, with most games ending in draws as if no one wanted to take any chances. Vaishali’s early setback came against Zhu Jiner, where she lost ground due to mid-game complications.
In Round 6, she took advantage of the mistakes from Lagna to kickstart her campaign. But she knew the road ahead was difficult. Her win against Tan Zhongyi in the 7th round showed maturity. Despite the win, she admitted: “I don’t deserve this point,” reflecting on a mistake-filled game where she survived under immense pressure.
The momentum began to build with a draw and two wins, but another loss to Zhu Jiner halted her progress. At that stage it looked like her campaign might fizzle out.
Then came the turning point.
In the 13th round, Goryachkina defeated Zhu Jiner, opening a narrow gap. The equation became clear. Vaishali had to beat Lagno while Divya needed to hold Bibisara to a draw.
Divya delivered under pressure. Despite the time difficulties, she maintained control and secured a draw. This result shifted the pressure completely to Vaishali who responded brilliantly. She found the right moves at the right moments and eventually forced Lagna to retire after nearly five hours of play.
WHY IS VAISHALI’S WIN EPOCH?
At the start of the tournament, Vaishali was among the least popular players. Her victory is a testament to the resilience of Indian chess at a crucial time.
After Gukesh Dommaraju’s success in 2024, the pace dropped. Gukesh struggled for form, Koneru Humpy pulled out of the Candidates due to geopolitical tensions and other Indian players failed to make a deep impact. Expectations were low.
Vaishali changed this story.
Her win reinforces the depth and resilience of Indian chess. It shows that even in uncertain phases, new champions can emerge.
Now the dream is bigger.
India could realistically aim for two world champions by the end of 2026. Vaishali’s potential clash with Ju Wenjun could reflect the intensity of recent title fights. It also presents a chance to challenge China’s long-standing dominance in women’s chess.
The dream is alive again.
Now it’s about getting the job done.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
16 Apr 2026 09:49 IST
