Teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the FIDE World Cup final, securing her spot after a thrilling victory.
A Historic Achievement in Batumi
At just 19 years old, Divya Deshmukh has captivated the chess world at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. Her incredible run culminated in a semi-final win against former World Champion Tan Zhongyi, marking a significant milestone for Indian chess.
Beyond reaching the final, Deshmukh has also qualified for the prestigious Candidates tournament. As an added bonus, she earned her first Grandmaster (GM) norm during this remarkable journey.
The Nail-Biting Semifinal
Divya’s path to the final was anything but easy. Her match against Tan Zhongyi was described as incredibly wild, with the evaluation bar “dancing” due to the sharp and constantly shifting position. The tension was palpable throughout the game.
The decisive moment came down to a nervy rook endgame, typically a draw-prone scenario. However, Divya expertly converted the position, leveraging an extra pawn to secure the win and avoid tiebreaks.
“Sorry for the Heart Attacks Today!”
After her dramatic victory, a relieved Divya took to Instagram stories to share her feelings. She humorously apologized to her supporters, writing, “I’m sorry for all the heart attacks today.”
She quickly followed up with a message of gratitude, adding, “Jokes apart, thank you for all the support and love. Ready for the final fight.” Her candid reaction resonated with fans who followed the tense match.
Reflecting on a Triumphant Game
In a post-game interview, still processing the emotions of defeating the current World Championship challenger, Divya admitted she felt a bit disoriented. “I don’t know… I think I could have played much better,” she said, showcasing her humble and self-critical nature.
She elaborated on the game’s twists and turns: “I was winning at one point, then I messed up in the middle game. I think I should have had a much smoother win.” Despite the challenges, she acknowledged Tan’s strong fight and felt “lucky in the end” to secure the victory.
Looking Ahead to the Grand Finale
With her spot in the final secured, Divya will now face the winner of the Koneru Humpy vs. Lei Tingjie semi-final, which has gone into tiebreaks. This extra day of rest is a welcome relief for the young prodigy.
Exhausted yet exhilarated, Divya expressed her immediate needs: “I need some sleep… these days have been so anxious. I just need some sleep and some food.” Her focus now shifts to preparing for the biggest match of her career.
- Divya Deshmukh is the first Indian woman to reach the FIDE World Cup final.
- She defeated former World Champion Tan Zhongyi in a dramatic semi-final.
- The victory also secured her qualification for the prestigious Candidates tournament and her first GM norm.
Divya’s historic run has inspired many, setting the stage for an exciting final as she continues to make waves in the world of chess.
