Video broadcasted by NDTV →
DailyDigest360's take on the News →
Divya Deshmukh's Historic Chess Run: First Indian Woman in FIDE World Cup Final Showdown.
  • 641 views
  • 2 min read

My apologies, I made a mistake in the previous query. Let me correct that.

In a historic moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has become the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup. Her remarkable achievement came after defeating former world champion Tan Zhongyi in a thrilling semi-final clash. This victory not only propels her into the final but also secures her first Grandmaster (GM) norm and a coveted spot in the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament.

Deshmukh's journey to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary. She showcased her fearless and attacking style by overcoming top seeds like Zhu Jiner and Harika Dronavalli along the way. Her semi-final match against Tan Zhongyi was a nail-biting encounter, ultimately decided in a dramatic rook endgame that stretched for 101 moves. Despite some mistakes in the middlegame, Deshmukh demonstrated incredible mental resilience to recover and seize the win.

The game against Tan Zhongyi was described as a rollercoaster, with both players having winning positions at different points. In a tense situation with both players facing time pressure, Tan Zhongyi missed a crucial opportunity, and Deshmukh capitalized to gain a decisive advantage.

Deshmukh's achievement has been met with widespread celebration and praise. After the game, she lightheartedly apologized for the "heart attacks" caused by the thrilling match. She acknowledged that she could have played better and felt lucky to win after Tan put up a strong fight.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women's chess. Deshmukh's success underscores Asia's growing strength in the sport. At least one Indian player will now participate in the next Women's Candidates Tournament, with three qualification spots available from this World Cup event.

Chess enthusiasts had hoped for an all-Indian final, with Koneru Humpy also competing in the semi-finals. However, Humpy's match against Lei Tingjie went to tiebreaks. The winner of that match will face Deshmukh in the final, while the loser will play Tan Zhongyi for third place and the final Candidates spot.

Divya Deshmukh's inspiring run at the FIDE Women's World Cup signifies the arrival of a new star in the world of chess. Her determination, tactical precision, and mental fortitude have captured the attention of fans and experts alike. As she prepares for the final, she carries the hopes of a nation, ready to continue her remarkable journey and further etch her name in chess history.


Writer - Priya Joshi
Driven by social justice, a commitment to advocacy, and a passion for sports, Priya is focusing her early journalistic efforts on highlighting inequality and marginalization in her community. She's learning to report on sensitive topics with empathy and accuracy, ensuring vulnerable voices are heard. Her dedication to sports also fuels her understanding of fair play and collective effort, principles she brings to her reporting.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
The summer of 2025 continues to deliver major headlines as Marcus Rashford made his debut for Barcelona and Harry Kane finally secured silverware in Germany. **Rashford's Barcelona Debut** After weeks of speculation and a season-long loan move from...

Technology  |  Aug 16, 2025
Chris Perkins, president of investment firm CoinFund, has warned that the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS)'s capital requirements for banks create a "chokepoint" that could stifle the growth of the cryptocurrency industry. The BCBS, whi...

Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has expressed strong confidence in the club's chances of winning the Premier League title this season. Timber's conviction stems from the belief that the Gunners possess all the necessary components for a title-winning...

Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
Manchester United's new head coach, Ruben Amorim, is implementing changes aimed at revitalizing the atmosphere and performance at Old Trafford. With the Premier League opener against Arsenal looming, Amorim has emphasized the importance of transformi...

Advertisement
Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
The Indiana Fever's 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by exciting wins, challenging losses, and significant roster adjustments. Amidst all of this, whispers of tension between Head Coach Stephanie White and some of Caitlin Clark's teammate...

Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with a slightly different roster after a somewhat turbulent offseason that included the departure of Mitch Marner. While analysts project the Maple Leafs to remain competitive and potent...

Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
Jack Grealish's time at Manchester City has been a subject of much discussion, characterized by moments of brilliance interspersed with periods where he seemed to struggle to fully integrate into Pep Guardiola's demanding tactical framework. After a ...

Sports  |  Aug 16, 2025
After a trophyless 2024-2025 season, Pep Guardiola embarked on a significant rebuild of his Manchester City squad during the summer of 2025, and the early signs suggest that the old swagger has indeed returned to the Etihad. **Key Transfers and Squa...

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360