Vaishali Rameshbabu is not just an Indian chess grandmaster; she’s a trailblazer in the world of chess. Alongside her brother, Praggnanandhaa, they have etched their names in history as the first brother-sister duo to both hold the prestigious Grandmaster titles. Their remarkable achievements don’t stop there; they also made waves as the first siblings to qualify for the esteemed Candidates Tournament, showcasing their extraordinary talent and determination on the global chess stage. Together, they are continuing their family’s groundbreaking chess story by taking part in the prestigious Tata Steel event in Wijk aan Zee.
The Tata Steel Chess Tournament, often referred to as the “Wimbledon of Chess,” is renowned for its rich history, high-level competition, and vibrant atmosphere, making it one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar. Held annually in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, since 1938, the tournament attracts the world’s top players, including reigning champions and emerging talents. Some day I hope to experience the picturesque seaside setting of this tournament in person but for now I am content watching the chess action from this star studded field of players live on the internet along with thousands of other chess fans from around the globe.
Perhaps my favorite move from the 2025 edition of the Tata Steel event came in round 4 of the Challengers section where GM Vaishali Rameshbabu had the black pieces against GM Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan. The game started in an unfortunate manner with Nodirbek Yakubboev arriving late to the board and then refusing Vaishali Rameshbabu’s offer for the customary handshake. A consummate professional, Vaishali did not let her opponent’s poor etiquette impact her play. In fact, Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu totally outclassed her opponent during the course of the game and after Nodirbek played 32. Bd7, she put an exclamation at the end of her masterpiece in the form of a picturesque game winning move.
What is Black’s winning move? (GM Nodirbek Yakubboev vs GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, 2025 Tata Steel Challengers, Wijk aan Zee)
The act of shaking hands before a chess game is a simple yet significant gesture that embodies the values of respect, tradition, and sportsmanship within the chess community. Where attitudes toward handshaking can vary significantly across cultures, before a chess game it is a common courtesy used globally. While there is no formal rule in the official chess rules established by FIDE (the International Chess Federation) that mandates handshaking before a game, I instruct my students that they must shake hands before every tournament game. I understand that some individuals might prefer not to engage in a handshake but it is important to remember that all chess players adhere to this tradition as a basic sign of respect in the context of competitive chess. Remember, even if do not respect your opponent, you should always respect the sport.