Indian Grandmaster B. Adhiban, nicknamed The Beast, believes R Vaishali is the strongest contender to dethrone reigning women’s world champion Ju Wenjun, while D Gukesh remains the favourite in his clash against Nodirbek Sindarov.
Adhiban, who recently guided the Ganges Grandmasters to their maiden title at the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said Vaishali’s rise through the Candidates Tournament proves her resilience and fighting spirit. “If there is one player who can beat Ju Wenjun, it’s Vaishali,” he remarked, highlighting her consistency and confidence.
On Gukesh, Adhiban was equally emphatic: “He always proves himself.” The teenage world champion has already established himself as India’s brightest star, and Adhiban believes his sharp preparation and fearless style give him the edge against Uzbekistan’s Sindarov.
Adhiban’s coaching debut has been widely praised, adding another dimension to his career after representing India in Chess Olympiads, where he helped secure bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. He described coaching as an “interesting challenge” that complements his playing schedule without conflict.
With India’s chess scene booming, Adhiban’s insights reflect growing optimism about the country’s chances on the global stage, both in men’s and women’s competitions.
