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Meet Divya Deshmukh: 19-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Making History At The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025
Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh made history by defeating former World Champion Tan Zhongyi to reach the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Final, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. The 19-year-old’s stunning victory also secured her first Grandmaster norm and a spot in the prestigious 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament. Divya’s path to the final included wins over top seeds Zhu Jiner and Harika Dronavalli, showcasing her fearless, attacking style. Her semifinal clash against Tan featured a dramatic rook endgame that lasted 101 moves. With this breakthrough, Divya cements her status as India’s rising chess star.
Divya Deshmukh Becomes First Indian Woman to Reach Women’s World Cup Final
Aged just 19, Divya made history by entering the final, a first for any Indian woman at this prestigious event.
Stuns Former World Champion Tan Zhongyi in Semifinal Showdown
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In a game full of twists, Divya defeated the third seed Tan Zhongyi to win the tie 1.5-0.5 and secure her biggest career victory.
Secures First Grandmaster Norm by Reaching the Final
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This critical milestone edges Divya closer to becoming India’s fourth-ever female Grandmaster.
Qualifies for 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament
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With her semifinal win, Divya clinched one of three coveted Candidates spots from this World Cup event.
Defeated Zhu Jiner and Harika Dronavalli En Route to Final
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Her dream run included eliminating top contenders like second seed Zhu Jiner and compatriot Harika, India’s No. 2.
Won a 101-Move Marathon in the Semifinal vs Tan
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The game was a rollercoaster, but Divya’s superior nerves in a long rook endgame proved decisive.
Turned the Tables After Losing Advantage in Middlegame
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Despite slipping in the middlegame, Divya recovered and converted the endgame in her favor—a masterclass in mental resilience.
Capitalized on Tan’s Blunder in Time Trouble
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In mutual time pressure, Tan missed 32...Rg4!, and Divya pounced to go two pawns up, sealing the fate of the game.
Alapin Sicilian Sparked a Tactical Battle
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Divya chose the combative Alapin Sicilian, leading to a dynamic and tense fight that kept engines and fans buzzing.
Transition to Rook Endgame Was the Turning Point
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Her strategic piece trade into a winning rook endgame highlighted Divya’s positional understanding and patience.
India Has At Least One Representative in 2026 Candidates
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Divya’s win guarantees Indian participation in the next Candidates tournament, with Humpy still in contention for the second spot.
Two Indians in Semifinals Underscores Asia’s Dominance
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With both Divya and Koneru Humpy in the final four, India’s rising stature in women’s chess is unmistakable.
Fans Hope for All-Indian Final Between Divya & Humpy
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If Humpy beats Lei Tingjie in the tiebreaks, it could be a historic all-India final—an unprecedented moment for Indian chess.
Youngest Indian Woman to Play in World Cup Final
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Divya has set a new benchmark for age and achievement, inspiring the next generation of Indian chess talent.
Prime Minister Modi Applauded Divya’s Resilience
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National accolades poured in following her earlier win over Hou Yifan, marking her growing fame beyond chess circles.
Divya Played 3 Back-to-Back GM-Level Matches
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In a span of three rounds, she beat three grandmasters—Zhu, Harika, and Tan—an exceptional feat for an International Master.
Exhaustion & Emotion Marked Her Post-Match Interview
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Visibly drained, Divya humbly said, “I should have had a much smoother win… I think I got lucky in the end.”
Crucial Rest Day Before Final Gives Divya Time to Recover
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“I need sleep and food,” she laughed, reflecting the immense mental and physical toll elite chess demands.
Rapid Rise from World Junior Champion to World Cup Finalist
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In just over a year, Divya transitioned from winning the U20 World Championship to almost clinching the World Cup title.
Divya Deshmukh Redefines the Face of Indian Women’s Chess
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From Nagpur to the global stage, Divya’s fearless play, tactical depth, and calm under pressure signal the rise of a new Indian chess queen.
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