Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, India's sole representative in the Open section, faces a tough challenge as the Candidates Tournament begins in Paphos. The event will determine the challenger to reigning world champion D Gukesh in the next World Championship match.
The tournament features eight players competing in a double round-robin format, with the winner earning the right to compete for the world title. American GM Fabiano Caruana appears to be the favourite, ahead of compatriot Hikaru Nakamura and Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri.
Praggnanandhaa has been preparing for the event with his team after a well-deserved long break. The Indian will be hoping to turn the tide and make things fall as per his scheme.
The youngest participant, Javokhir Sindarov, is the dark horse of the event, while Wei Yi and Anish Giri are known for their solidity and defensive skills.
In the women's section, former women's world champion Tan Zhongyi of China has an edge over others, but things could get tricky with the participation of Divya Deshmukh, who won the Women's World Cup in 2025.
The event carries a total prize pool of USD 1 million, with USD 700,000 allocated to the Open section and USD 300,000 to the women's section.
