GM Koneru Humpy becomes fifth Indian to qualify for Candidates 2024

Published at :January 1, 2024 at 2:49 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:53 PM

(Courtesy : Chess.com)

She is the lone Indian female Grandmaster to have qualified for Candidates prior to 2024.

Koneru Humpy’s recent qualification for the Candidates 2024 in Toronto stands as a significant milestone in her chess career. At 36 years old, she becomes the fifth Indian chess player to secure a spot in this prestigious event, based on her position as the highest-rated player in the January 2024 FIDE ratings. This achievement highlights her exceptional skill and places her among the elite competitors set to participate in this highly anticipated tournament.

GM Humpy Koneru will be joining GM Vaishali Rameshbabu at the Women’s Candidates 2024 tournament, taking place alongside the Open Candidates 2024. Humpy, ranked second as of January 1st on the world rating list, secured her spot after top-ranked Chinese player Hou Yifan, the defending champion, withdrew from the event.

Koneru Humpy becomes the 5⃣th Indian to qualify for Candidates 2024🥳🥳#Chess pic.twitter.com/imKS0ZUHFT
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She was also the first Indian female to have qualified for Women’s Candidates tournament prior to the 2023-24 edition.

In Toronto, a significant shift is underway in the chess world, notably with five Indian chess players securing spots in the Candidates. GM Praggnanandhaa, GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, GM Gukesh Dommaraju, GM Vaishali Rameshbabu and GM Koneru Humpy’s participation marks a remarkable achievement for Indian chess, showcasing their prowess on a global stage.

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Notably, earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali made history as the first sibling duo to qualify for this prestigious event. The Candidates will determine the contenders for the World Chess Championship 2024, marking a historic first as both the men’s and women’s eight-member events will take place at the same venue.

This will be the first time India will have more than one member contesting at the Candidates across both Open and Women’s categories. This convergence emphasizes the growing prominence of Indian chess talent and sets the stage for an exciting chapter in chess history.

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