Divya Deshmukh Beats Koneru Humpy To Become First Indian Champion In FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup

Teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh scripted history on Monday by becoming the first Indian champion in a FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup tournament.

The 19-year-old defeated compatriot Koneru Humpy in tiebreaks to win the 2025 edition of the event in Batumi, Georgia.

Only the Rapid tiebreaks were held on Monday after the Classical round ended in a draw.

The first Rapid game also ended without result, but Divya capitalised on an error-prone Humpy in the second tiebreak. Playing with Black, she forced a resignation in 75 moves to seal the title.

Divya not only won the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup but also earned her Grandmaster title. She becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth woman after Humpy, R Vaishali, and Harika Dronavalli to achieve the feat.

Turning Point in the Endgame

In the decisive second tiebreak, both players appeared cautious and leaned towards defensive moves.

With the match heading for a draw, Humpy, playing White, attempted a pawn sacrifice to create an opening. The move backfired, allowing Divya to exchange Queens and Rooks, shifting momentum in her favour.

Humpy’s crucial mistake came at 54.Rxf4, enabling Divya’s Black pawn to advance to a2, nearly promoting. Humpy was forced to defend with her Rook on a1.

Divya briefly faltered with 67…f4, but Humpy misplayed too with 67.h6, where Kd5 would have been optimal. Her repeated mistake at 69.h7 sealed her fate, as her Rook was taken out.

Despite removing Divya’s a2 pawn, Humpy was left a pawn down in a Rook endgame and eventually resigned after 75 moves.

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand described the endgame as dramatic.

“Humpy just collapsed. It was totally self-inflicted. One of those situations where your nerves get the better of you,” he said during commentary.

Divya received $50,000 (₹41.6 lakh) in prize money for her victory, while runner-up Humpy earned $35,000 (₹29.1 lakh).

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