Batumi, Georgia – Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is set to open as the favorite in her quest for a maiden FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup title as she faces China’s Yuxin Song in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Humpy, India’s highest-rated woman player and a seasoned winner of major global events, leads an unprecedented Indian charge, with three other compatriots also reaching the last eight.
This marks a historic moment for Indian chess, as it is the first time that four players from a single country – Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, D. Harika, and R. Vaishali – have simultaneously advanced to the quarterfinals of the prestigious competition.
All-Indian Clash Guarantees Semifinal Berth
The quarterfinal pairings ensure at least one Indian player will reach the semifinals, as D. Harika is slated to face Divya Deshmukh in an all-Indian clash. This internal battle highlights the depth of talent within the Indian contingent.
Meanwhile, R. Vaishali faces arguably the toughest challenge among the Indians, as she is set to compete against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi of China in another high-stakes quarterfinal. The remaining quarterfinal match will see China’s Lei Tingjie take on Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia.
Humpy’s Resurgent Form and Candidates Qualification Hopes
Theoretically, the tournament could see as many as three Indian players advance to the semifinals of this crucial event, which also serves as a qualifier for the next Women’s Candidates Tournament. With the top three finishers securing berths in the Candidates, all eyes will be on Humpy, who appears to have returned to formidable form. Her impressive victory over Switzerland’s former world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in a tense tiebreaker in the previous round underscored that even at 38, she remains a powerhouse in the chess world.
Harika, India’s second woman Grandmaster, is a seasoned campaigner with a strong track record, having reached the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup twice before. Her solid playing style and steely nerves will be put to the test against the youthful dynamism of Divya Deshmukh. Deshmukh has emerged as the “giant-killer” of the event, having sensationally eliminated second seed Zhu Jiner of China in the previous round’s tiebreaker, showcasing her immense potential and resilience.
As the tournament progresses in Batumi, the performance of the Indian quartet will undoubtedly be a central narrative, as they aim not only for individual glory but also to secure a strong presence in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Discussion about this post