A Proud Day for Indian Chess
India’s rising chess sensation, International Master Divya Deshmukh, etched her name into the history books on Wednesday by defeating former World Champion Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup — becoming the first Indian woman to ever achieve this feat.

At just 19 years old, Divya’s performance was not only bold and brilliant but also historic. With this win, she also earned her first Grandmaster (GM) norm, a major milestone on her journey to the highest title in chess.

A Semifinal Masterclass

Divya entered the second semifinal game on equal footing, having drawn the first game with black pieces. Playing with white, she demonstrated superb middle-game strategy, slowly applying pressure and forcing key inaccuracies from her seasoned opponent. With clinical precision, Divya converted her advantage and emerged victorious.

This triumph places her not only in the final but also ensures an Indian presence in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Championship title match.

Tears of Joy: An Emotional Victory

Shortly after her win, Divya was seen in tears, overwhelmed with emotion and pride — a moment that touched fans across the globe. Social media and news platforms erupted in celebration as she broke barriers and inspired a new generation of Indian women in chess.

Will It Be an All-Indian Final?

While Divya celebrates, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy faces a nail-biting tie-break against China’s Lei Tingjie, after their second semifinal match ended in a draw. Humpy, one of India’s most decorated players, still has a chance to set up an all-Indian final, a dream scenario for Indian chess fans.

Asia Shines Bright

This year’s FIDE Women’s World Cup has showcased the dominance of Asian talent, with China and India at the forefront. Regardless of the final result, one thing is certain — Indian women’s chess has arrived on the world stage, and its brightest stars are just getting started.

Watch: Divya Deshmukh in Tears After Her Historic Win

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