Indian chess players dazzle at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and rising star Divya Deshmukh secure their spots in the round of 16. The tournament, held at the Grand Bellagio Hotel, features 107 players vying for a $691,250 prize fund and three coveted spots in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament. With high stakes, Indian players aim to challenge for the $50,000 top prize and a chance to face world champion Ju Wenjun.
Humpy and Divya Lead India’s Charge
Koneru Humpy, India’s first female Grandmaster, triumphs over Poland’s Klaudia Kulon with a 1.5-0.5 score. She clinches her place with a draw in the second game after a 102-move battle. “I saw [only] McDonald’s here and nothing more,” Humpy quips about Batumi, eager to explore more during her rest day.
Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old prodigy, advances with a 1.5-0.5 victory against Serbia’s Teodora Injac. Her dominant performance includes a win in the first game, showcasing her tactical prowess and a draw in the second game. All’s going well for Divya, thanks to her sheer resilience. Both Humpy and Divya players display India’s growing dominance in women’s chess.
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Harika, Vantika, and Vaishali Face Tiebreak Challenges
Dronavalli Harika, a two-time bronze medalist, fights for a round of 16 spot after two draws against Greece’s Stavroula Tsolakidou. Vantika Agrawal stuns seventh seed Kateryna Lagno in the first game but loses the second, forcing a tiebreak. Vantika’s giant killing continues as she upsets Lagno. R. Vaishali draws both games against USA’s Carissa Yip, setting up a crucial tiebreak. These three Indian stars aim to join Humpy and Divya in the last 16 through rapid and blitz tiebreaks on July 14, 2025. The tournament’s knockout format intensifies the pressure, with each match consisting of two classical games followed by faster tiebreaks if needed.
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