Chess: The Qatar Masters 2023 marked a significant milestone when 22-year-old Vaishali Rameshbabu, the talented sister of R Praggnanandhaa, achieved her third and final Grandmaster (GM) norm. Although she suffered a defeat in the last round against the renowned GM Gregory Kaidanov, Vaishali’s outstanding performance during the tournament cemented her position as the top female player at this esteemed event.
After the game’s conclusion, a flood of well-wishes poured in for Vaishali. GM Kaidanov himself offered warm congratulations to the young talent, acknowledging her accomplishment in attaining the final GM norm. Vaishali’s mother, Nagalakshmi, stood proudly by her side, beaming as her daughter signed autographs and savored the unforgettable moment, much as she does when Praggnanandhaa is on the chessboard.
With the confirmation of her GM norm, Vaishali now holds the title of GM-elect, further solidifying her status as one of India’s most promising chess prospects. Currently boasting a live rating of 2467.7, she is 32.3 Elo points away from becoming India’s third female Grandmaster, following the trailblazing path of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.
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