Zhu Jiner delivered a decisive performance in the 12th round of the Women’s Candidates Chess Tournament, defeating India’s R. Vaishali to dramatically reshape the leaderboard. Entering the round as the sole leader, Vaishali saw her advantage erased as Zhu, playing with black pieces, secured a critical victory to draw level at seven points. With only two rounds remaining, the tournament has evolved into a tightly contested race, with Bibisara Assaubayeva and Anna Muzychuk trailing closely.