Batumi, Georgia: In a landmark moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old International Master Divya Deshmukh has advanced to the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup with a stunning win over third seed and former world champion Tan Zhongyi of China. Her historic semifinal triumph also secures her qualification for the prestigious 2026 Candidates Tournament, making her the first Indian woman ever to reach this milestone.
Playing with white pieces in the second semifinal game, Divya defeated Tan Zhongyi in 101 moves, sealing the match 1.5-0.5. Her fearless and strategic play was widely lauded by chess analysts, and the win marks one of the biggest victories of her career.
A Dream Run to the Final
Deshmukh’s path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. She earlier eliminated second seed Ju Wenjun and higher-rated Indian compatriot Harika Dronavalli, both of whom are considered giants in women’s chess. Her journey to the final comes just a year after she won both individual and team gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, further cementing her status as one of India’s brightest chess stars.
Ranked 15th in the tournament, Divya is the youngest finalist in the third edition of the Women’s Chess World Cup and one of only two International Masters — alongside Bulgaria’s Nurgyul Salimova — to reach the final. Notably, she is also a year younger than Salimova.
Who Will She Face in the Final?
In the second semifinal, India’s Koneru Humpy played a 75-move draw against top-seeded Lei Tingjie of China. The two will now battle it out in a tie-breaker round to decide who will meet Divya in the final, scheduled for July 28.
Reactions Pour In
The Indian chess community has erupted in celebration, hailing Divya’s feat as a watershed moment for the sport. Grandmasters and chess federations alike praised her maturity, composure, and skill throughout the tournament.
Divya Deshmukh’s incredible rise reflects the new era of Indian women’s chess. As she prepares for the grand finale on July 28, the nation waits with bated breath, hoping for another golden chapter in India’s chess journey.
