BRING YOUR VISION INTO ACTION
India Dominates Women’s Chess: A Dream Final at the FIDE Women’s World Cup!
The chess world is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup culminates in a historic all-Indian final! Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and International Master Divya Deshmukh will face off in a thrilling summit clash, setting the stage for an unforgettable battle that truly showcases India’s rising power in global chess. This incredible achievement also means both players have now officially qualified for the prestigious 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament!
This is a momentous occasion, a testament to the talent, resilience, and sheer determination of India’s top female chess players.
Humpy’s Heroic Comeback: Outwitting Lei Tingjie in a Tiebreaker Thriller
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, known for her exceptional technique and unwavering determination, demonstrated her champion pedigree in a nail-biting semifinal against China’s Tingjie Lei. After drawing the first two classical games, the match proceeded to an intense tiebreaker.
Humpy showed remarkable composure, especially when she found herself in a difficult endgame, having lost a pawn. Despite Lei’s command, Humpy’s superior technique and absolute resolve shone through. She engineered a crucial “win on demand” from a sharp Queen pawn opening, taking command from the outset. This pivotal victory meant she needed only a draw in the return game. True to form, Humpy showcased her technical best from an Italian opening, securing another win and ultimately triumphing in the tiebreaker. With this victory, Humpy has earned her spot in a World Cup final – a title that has famously eluded her despite winning nearly every other major honor in chess.
Divya Deshmukh’s Cinderella Run Continues: A Young Star’s Breakthrough
Just days ago, 19-year-old IM Divya Deshmukh made headlines with her own sensational performance, eliminating former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi. Her “Cinderella story” at the FIDE Women’s World Cup has captivated fans, marking her third consecutive match victory over a Grandmaster. Divya’s semifinal match was a wild, 101-move marathon, a true battle of nerves where both players had winning chances, but Divya ultimately prevailed due to her superior composure in a nervous time scramble.
By reaching the final, Divya has also secured her first Grandmaster norm and, crucially, guaranteed her place in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. This is a massive step towards her goal of becoming India’s next Grandmaster, with the ultimate prize of the World Cup winner automatically earning the GM title if not already held.
A Historic Clash: India vs. India in the Finals!
The stage is now set for an extraordinary all-Indian final between Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh. This is a historic moment for Indian chess, showcasing the depth of talent within the nation. The final promises a captivating contest between Humpy’s vast experience and masterful technique against Divya’s youthful exuberance, bold play, and incredible resilience.
Both players have shown immense mental fortitude, adaptability across different time controls, and an unyielding will to win. As they prepare after a day’s rest, starting on Saturday, the anticipation is palpable. The entire Indian chess community and fans worldwide will be watching intently as these two phenomenal talents vie for the FIDE Women’s World Cup title.
This final is not just about a trophy; it’s about the future of women’s chess in India and the world. It’s a celebration of their hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of chess excellence.
Join us in sending our heartfelt wishes to both Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh for an incredible final!
