Praggnanandhaa's Uphill Battle: Can He Still Win FIDE Candidates 2026?

• R Praggnanandhaa is joint third with 3.5 points after seven rounds in the FIDE Candidates 2026.
• He started strong with a win against Anish Giri but has since drawn five and lost one to leader Javokhir Sindarov.
• Sindarov holds a significant 2.5-point lead over Praggnanandhaa, making a comeback extremely challenging.
• Praggnanandhaa needs 5.5 points from his remaining seven rounds, requiring a strong winning streak.
• He faces tough black-piece games against top contenders Sindarov and Caruana, needing both to drop points consistently.