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.