Batumi, Georgia :
In a stunning upset at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, India’s IM Divya Deshmukh toppled third seed and former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi in an intense 101-move marathon, booking her place in the final and clinching her maiden grandmaster norm.
The 18-year-old prodigy showed remarkable grit and maturity beyond her years, capitalizing on a late blunder from Tan in severe time pressure. With the classical score at 1.5-0.5, Divya advanced without needing tie-breaks, leaving the Chinese grandmaster stunned and the chess world buzzing.
Tactical Precision And Nerves Of Steel
Opening with the Alapin Sicilian, Divya navigated early complexities with poise. The turning point came with her dynamic 12…Nc7 and queenside pawn push 13.b4, which disrupted Tan’s setup and gave White a slight but lasting edge.
Tan fought back energetically, launching a piece sacrifice to stir complications. But as the clock ticked down, her calculation faltered. A fatal mistake on move 91 allowed Divya to consolidate her material edge, and despite both players showing signs of fatigue, the Indian star closed out the win with confidence.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting this,” Divya said in her post-game interview. “I think I got a bit lucky at the end, but I’m proud of how I held my nerve.” She also admitted that the victory earned her not only a spot in the final but her first grandmaster norm, a significant milestone in her young career.
Lei Tingjie Survives As Humpy Lets Win Slip
The second semifinal between GM Koneru Humpy and top seed GM Lei Tingjie ended in heartbreak for the Indian veteran. After playing a nearly flawless game and reaching a winning rook endgame, Humpy faltered with the move 64.f5+, missing a cleaner win with 64.Rd5. The inaccuracy allowed Lei to activate her rook and secure a draw after precise play.
“I was so close,” Humpy said, visibly disappointed. “One careless decision changed everything.” Lei acknowledged the narrow escape, calling the result “a gift” and crediting her endgame resilience.
The pair will now head into rapid and blitz tie-breaks on Thursday, July 24, to determine who will face Divya in the final.
What’s At Stake
Beyond the trophy and prize money, the Women’s World Cup offers two coveted seats in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament. With her semifinal win, Divya Deshmukh has already secured her place among the world’s elite—and announced herself as a rising force in global chess.
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