The FIDE Candidates 2024 tournament, which will decide the challenger for the world championship match, begins in Toronto, Canada on Friday.
The prestigious event is made up of eight-player fields in the Open and Women's category. The winner of each category will contest the reigning World Champion to attain the ultimate glory in sport.
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The current world champions are the Chinese duo of Ding Liren (Open) and Ju Wenjun (Women) categories, respectively.
Since 1991, Vishwanathan Anand was the only Indian to represent the country in the prestigious Candidates event. However, in 2024, there are five Indians (across both categories) at the FIDE Candidates tournament. Teenagers R Pragganandhaa and D Gukesh, and 29-year old Vidith Gujrathi will be part of the Open category. Meanwhile, in the Women’s category, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Koneru Humpy will be the ones to represent the Indian flag.
With only one round to go, 17-year-old Gukesh soared into sole lead. The last round will see the Indian take on Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana face Ian Nepomniachtchi. Nakamura, Caruana and Nepomniachtchi are all only half a point behind Gukesh and all four are in with a chance of winning the title, making it one of the most exciting finishes in tournament history.
Where is the FIDE Candidates Chess tournament being held?
The FIDE Candidates 2024 will be held in Toronto, Canada, at The Great Hall.
Who are the Indian candidates in the Open category?
Praggnanandhaa R, Gukesh D, and Vidit Gujrathi will represent the Indian contingent at the FIDE Candidates 2024. This is the first time that any Indian apart from Vishwanathan Anand has made the cut for the Candidates.
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Who are the Indian candidates in the WOMEN category?
Koneru Humpy and Vaishali R will represent India in the Women's category.
What time does the Candidates Chess tournament start?
All the matches at FIDE Candidates 2024 start at 14:30 hours (Toronto Time). Proportionately, the matches will start at midnight (00:00) in India, i.e. the next day.
How to watch Candidates Chess tournament from India?
The 14th and final round of the Candidates Tournament will commence on Sunday, April 21.
Fans can watch the FIDE Candidates Chess tournament 2024 online for free on the FIDE YouTube channel. There is no Television broadcast for the event in India.
| Match | Date and Time | TV channel | Live streaming |
| Candidates Chess Tournament | April 04 - April 22 2024, | No Broadcast | FIDE YouTube Channel |
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