Divya Deshmukh wins FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025, defeating Koneru Humpy in a gripping tiebreak in Batumi, Georgia. At 19, the Nagpur prodigy claimed her first World Cup title. She also earned India’s fourth female Grandmaster title. Her victory secures a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. This all-Indian final thrilled fans and showcased India’s chess dominance.
Divya’s Clutch Victory in Tiebreaks
Divya Deshmukh’s path to the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 title was intense. First, Game 1 ended in a 41-move draw. Divya, playing white, gained an edge in the Queen’s Gambit Accepted but couldn’t win. Next, Game 2 saw a 34-move draw. Humpy’s Reti Opening met Divya’s solid defense. Consequently, the match went to rapid tiebreaks. In the first rapid game, Divya used Petrov’s Defence. Both players traded pawns early, and the game ended in a draw after perpetual checks. However, the second rapid game proved decisive. Humpy played the Queen’s Gambit Declined: Catalan Variation. Divya gained a pawn advantage. Then, Humpy blundered under time pressure. As a result, Divya clinched the title. “I was quite disappointed with the first game… it felt like a loss,” Divya said afterward.
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Historic Moment for Indian Chess
Divya Deshmukh winning the world championship marks a milestone for Indian chess. She became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Moreover, she earned the Grandmaster title, becoming India’s 88th GM and fourth female GM. She joins Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Vaishali. Earlier, Divya defeated top players like Hou Yifan and Tan Zhongyi. Her fearless play stunned the chess world. “She’s someone with a lot of potential… this will boost her confidence,” said Viswanathan Anand. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her “grit and determination.” Divya’s $50,000 prize and Candidates spot highlight her rise. Thus, her victory inspires young Indian players and signals a bright future for women’s chess.
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