BRING YOUR VISION INTO ACTION
Breaking News: 19-Year-Old IM Divya Deshmukh Creates History at the FIDE Women’s World Cup!
The chess world is witnessing a spectacular rise! India’s own 19-year-old International Master, Divya Deshmukh, has extended her incredible “Cinderella story” at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, eliminating former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi in the semi-finals! This monumental victory not only propels her into the Women’s World Cup Finals but also secures her first coveted Grandmaster norm and a guaranteed spot in the prestigious 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament!
From Nagpur, Maharashtra, Divya’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, consistently outmaneuvering top-tier grandmasters on her path to the ultimate showdown.
The Semifinal Showdown: Divya vs. Tan Zhongyi – A Battle of Nerves
The semifinal clash against GM Tan Zhongyi was a testament to Divya’s fighting spirit and resilience. After a hard-fought draw in Game 1, the pressure was immense in Game 2. What unfolded was a wild, tense encounter where both players held winning positions. In a thrilling nervous time scramble, Tan Zhongyi squandered her advantage, eventually entering a losing endgame.
Divya, demonstrating incredible composure under pressure, seized her chance. The marathon game stretched to an astonishing 101 moves, with Divya ultimately emerging victorious with the black pieces, winning the match 1.5-0.5. Despite the high stakes, Divya’s humble post-game reaction, “I think I could have played much better. I was winning at a certain point… I think I got lucky in the end,” reflects her dedication to constant improvement.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal match featuring GM Koneru Humpy vs. GM Lei Tingjie is heading to tiebreaks, highlighting the intense competition at the pinnacle of women’s chess.
A Path to Grandmaster Title & The World Championship
Divya’s achievement at the FIDE Women’s World Cup carries immense weight. By reaching the Final, she has now secured at least a Silver medal, which automatically books her place in the Women’s Candidates Chess Tournament 2026. The winner of the Candidates Tournament will earn the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun for the coveted title!
Furthermore, this incredible performance has earned Divya her first Grandmaster norm! To achieve the prestigious Grandmaster title, she needs two more norms. However, there’s an even more direct route: if Divya triumphs in the Women’s World Cup Finals and clinches the gold, she will automatically be awarded the Grandmaster title, regardless of previous norms!
This is a huge occasion for Indian chess and a proud moment for the youngster from Nagpur, Maharashtra. Divya’s relentless drive and sharp play have put her firmly on the map as one of the most exciting talents to watch.
The Cost of Greatness: A Well-Earned Rest
The intensity of such high-stakes matches takes a significant toll. Visibly exhausted but triumphant, Divya’s immediate desire captured the essence of her grueling journey: “I need some sleep. These days have been so anxious. I just need some sleep and some food.” A well-deserved rest day on Thursday will prepare her for the ultimate challenge in the Finals.
Join Us in Celebrating India’s Chess Star!
Divya Deshmukh’s journey at the FIDE Women’s World Cup is an inspiring saga of talent, perseverance, and sheer determination. As she prepares for the Finals, the entire nation, and the global chess community, stands with her. Her success is a beacon for aspiring young players, demonstrating what’s possible with focus and passion in the world of competitive chess.
Stay tuned to Chess Visionaries for more updates on Divya’s historic run!