R Vaisahli kept Indian hopes alive, defeating compatriot Divya Deshmukh in the ninth round of the women's Candidates Chess Tournament here on Wednesday. After what could be best described as a sedate start, Vaishali has been pushing hard for a win in every game, but this victory kept her in the lead alongside Jiner Zhu of China on 5.5 points out of a possible eight.

With five more rounds to come in the women's competition, early leader Anna Muzychuk is in close pursuit of the two leaders a half point behind while Divya, Kateryna Lagno of Ukraine and Bibisara Assuabayeva are not far behind. The one player out of contention here is former world women's champion Zhongyi Tan, who is still looking for the winning touch.