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Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali surged into a joint lead at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after defeating former world champion Mariya Muzychuk. Vaishali's victory puts her alongside Kateryna Lagno with 7.5 points. In the open section, Indian hopes for Candidates Tournament qualification dimmed as Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin drew their respective games and Praggnanandhaa lost.

In the FIDE Grand Swiss, Nihal Sarin's Candidates hopes dimmed after losing to Alireza Firouzja, while Arjun Erigaisi boosted Indian hopes with a win. Alireza joined the lead pack, and Praggnanandhaa eyes Candidates qualification through tournament scores. Vaishali remains in contention in the women's section, trailing leader Kateryna Lagno by half a point.