Teenaged chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh scripted history on Monday by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating compatriot and veteran player Koneru Humpy in a dramatic tie-break finish.
The 19-year-old from Nagpur not only claimed the prestigious title but also earned the Grandmaster title — a feat that seemed out of reach at the start of the tournament. She becomes only the fourth Indian woman and the 88th overall to achieve this distinction.
The final clash between the two Indian stars saw the classical games on Saturday and Sunday end in draws. In Monday’s rapid tie-breakers, Deshmukh, playing with white, was again held to a draw in the first game. However, in the reverse fixture with black pieces, she overcame Humpy — a two-time world rapid champion — securing a 2.5-1.5 victory.
Her triumph comes amid a golden era for Indian chess, especially in the men’s circuit, with players like world champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi making global waves.
By reaching the final, Deshmukh has also qualified for next year’s Candidates Tournament, which will determine the challenger for reigning world champion Ju Wenjun of China in the Women’s World Championship.
Overcome with emotion, Deshmukh reflected on her achievement: “I need time to process it. I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way — because before this tournament, I didn’t even have one GM norm.”
Deshmukh now joins the ranks of India’s top women Grandmasters — Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika and R Vaishali — marking a significant milestone in her promising career.
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