Young Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh has shared her remarkably resilient mindset after taking the FIDE Women’s World Cup final against compatriot Koneru Humpy into tiebreaks.
Clash of Titans Heads to Tiebreaks
Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old Indian prodigy, managed to draw both classical games against the experienced Koneru Humpy. This pushed their highly anticipated FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 final match into tiebreaks, setting the stage for an even more intense showdown.
The first game, where Divya played with white pieces, was a rollercoaster. She created numerous opportunities but ultimately couldn’t convert them, resulting in a draw. This outcome left her feeling disappointed, almost as if it were a loss.
Reflecting on the first game, Divya admitted she saw all the chances but consistently made the wrong choices. “It was quite a pity,” she remarked, acknowledging that the draw felt more like a defeat. However, she emphasized her quick recovery for the second game, which she found “considerably easier,” despite admitting she unnecessarily complicated what should have been a straightforward draw.
The Mindset of a Champion: Moving On
When asked about her ability to move past a game that could have gone her way, Divya underscored the absolute necessity of it. She believes dwelling on past mistakes hinders future performance.
Her strategy for coping with disappointment is strikingly mature. “I just tell myself that I have the rest of my life to be sad about it,” she explained. “So just don’t be sad today, and then we can be sad about it afterwards.” This pragmatic approach allows her to maintain focus on the immediate challenge.
Facing the Challenge Ahead
Looking forward to the tiebreaks, which will feature shorter time controls, Divya expressed her determination. She acknowledged Koneru Humpy as “a really strong player” but remains committed to giving her absolute best.
“I’m going to give my best,” Divya affirmed, hoping that things will go her way in the rapid-fire format. Her confidence, despite the high stakes, is palpable.
The Viral Smile Explained
During the first classical game, Divya was captured on camera smiling, an image that quickly went viral and sparked curiosity online. She clarified the reason behind this unexpected moment.
“I was getting spammed on my phone after the game because everybody was like, ‘Why is she smiling?'” Divya recounted. The attention became so overwhelming that she even deleted some apps. She confessed she hadn’t even realized she was smiling at the time.
Divya believes it was either some “inner joke” or a moment of frustration during intense calculations. She was deeply engrossed in a complex sequence involving queen and bishop moves when the smile appeared, indicating her mind was fully engaged in the game’s intricacies rather than amusement.
- Divya Deshmukh pushed the FIDE Women’s World Cup final into tiebreaks after two draws.
- She employs a strong mental strategy of immediately moving past disappointments.
- Her viral smile during the game was a result of an “inner joke” or intense calculation, not a reaction to the game’s state.
Divya’s candidness and resilient spirit highlight her promising future in the competitive world of chess, showcasing a maturity beyond her years.
