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Assaubayeva Opens Up About the Tears and Pressure of Candidates 2026.

GM Bibisara Assaubayeva has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced during the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, revealing just how difficult the tournament was for her.

Assaubayeva said she was deeply disappointed after missing the chance to qualify for the Women’s World Championship match, despite being proud of her fighting spirit and victories against strong opponents.

“I cried a lot at that time. I think I cried almost every day that month.”

She also credited her mother for providing crucial emotional support throughout the tournament, reassuring her during difficult moments and encouraging her to stay focused.

Assaubayeva finished second with 8/14 points, earning €52,200 from the tournament, held in Pegeia, Cyprus, from March 28 to April 15, 2026.

A powerful reminder that even elite chess players face intense emotional pressure behind the board.



📷: Lennart Ootes

🏆 WINNER! 🔥🔥
The form is still going on!!!

🏆 Grand Chess Tour Finals 2026 — WINNER!

Pragg has defeated Fabiano Caruana in a huge battle and claimed the title! ♟️👑

A victory over one of the world’s elite.
Calm under pressure. Fearless on the board.

🔥 CHAMPION. WINNER. 👑♟️

India No. 1 Praggnanandhaa will be in action at the Grand Chess Tour Finals 2026!
After an outstanding season, Pragg has qualified for the final four and now stands just two matches away from becoming the Grand Chess Tour Champion.

The semifinals will see 🇮🇳 Praggnanandhaa take on 🇩🇪 Vincent Keymer, while 🇺🇸 Wesley So faces 🇺🇸 Fabiano Caruana.

The finals will be played in a knockout format featuring Classical, Rapid and Blitz games. The champion will earn the prestigious Grand Chess Tour title along with a $200,000 first prize, while the top three finishers will secure their place in the 2027 Grand Chess Tour.

The action begins today at 10:30 PM IST.

Can Pragg finish his incredible 2026 season with another major title?

Photos: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Nakamura Warns Classical Chess Could Lose Its Status and Importance!

In a recent interview with SportsStar, GM Hikaru Nakamura raised concerns about the future of classical chess, arguing that the traditional World Championship could lose its importance if faster formats continue to influence the qualification pathway.

Nakamura believes that mixing classical chess with shorter formats could create confusion over who is truly the strongest player.
“There’s a very good chance we’re going to live in a world where the classical world championship is completely devalued.”

He also strongly criticized the idea of counting 45-minute games as classical chess, saying that games under 60 minutes should be classified as rapid instead.

At the same time, Nakamura sees major benefits from chess being part of the Esports World Cup. He believes chess stands out more when presented alongside other esports and praised the event’s financial opportunities for players.



📷: Rafal Oleksiewicz/FIDE