Women’s Candidates Race: Grand Swiss to grant two of the three remaining spots

With five of the eight places for the 2026 Women’s Candidates already decided, the focus now turns to the upcoming Women’s Grand Swiss and the conclusion of the Women’s Events 2024–25 series. Anna Muzychuk (pictured) currently leads the standings among players still in contention, ahead of Lei Tingjie, Harika Dronavalli and Kateryna Lagno. Their performances in Samarkand and later rapid and blitz events will determine the final qualification spots. | Photo: Przemek Nikiel