Bhubaneswar: In a poised and disciplined performance, India’s rising star IM Divya Deshmukh and veteran GM Koneru Humpy secured vital draws in the first games of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals, holding their formidable Chinese opponents at bay.
Divya, facing the former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi with the Black pieces, demonstrated maturity beyond her years in a game that ended in a 31-move draw. Despite early pressure, she exchanged pieces methodically and neutralized any attacking chances, showing composure in a potentially uncomfortable position.
Meanwhile, Humpy took on GM Lei Tingjie—another top Chinese contender—and produced a deep, strategic game. Playing Black in a Berlin Defense, Humpy even offered a pawn in the opening, which Lei declined. The game evolved into a balanced endgame, where neither player could make decisive progress. After nearly four hours of play, the game ended peacefully after 61 moves.
Strategy Over Flash: Solid Play Sets Up Game 2 Drama
Both Indian players adopted sound strategies in their respective games. Divya’s approach was pragmatic, ensuring safety first while biding her time to push in Game 2. “I think I was fine throughout, though it was a little unpleasant at some point,” she remarked after the match.
Humpy, one of India’s most experienced grandmasters, showed deep preparation. The pawn sacrifice was a psychological probe as much as it was theoretical, but Lei opted not to take the bait. The game progressed into a tense, well-balanced battle with no errors on either side.
White Pieces Await As Semifinals Head To Critical Second Leg
With both players now set to play with the White pieces in Game 2, scheduled for July 23, the odds tilt slightly in India’s favor. A win in either game would secure a spot in the Women’s World Cup Final. However, if both games end in draws again, tiebreaks will determine who advances.
Bigger Stakes: Pathway To The Women’s Candidates
The World Cup isn’t just about silverware—it also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament. Only the top three finishers will earn coveted spots in that elite cycle. With two Indians in the semifinals, the nation’s hopes for a strong presence in the global title chase remain alive and well.
Next Round: Tension Builds In Batumi
Game 2 kicks off on Wednesday, July 23, at 4:30 p.m. IST. Both Humpy and Divya will look to capitalize on their White games to push for the final. With nerves, experience, and strategy all in play, Indian chess fans will be watching closely as their stars try to carve out history on the global stage.
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