FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup: Divya Deshmukh Becomes First Indian Champion After Beating Koneru Humpy

In a historic moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy to become the first Indian champion of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup. The final, held in Batumi, Georgia, was an all-Indian affair and ended in high drama with a rapid tie-breaker on Monday.

After two days of intense classical matches that ended in draws, the title was decided in tie-breakers. The first rapid game also ended in a draw, but Divya clinched victory in the second rapid tie-breaker—playing with the black pieces—to secure the championship.

With this win, Divya not only claimed the prestigious title but also earned the coveted Grandmaster title and qualified for the FIDE Candidates Tournament, the final stage before the World Championship.

Divya’s triumph marks a generational shift in Indian women’s chess, as she overcame the experienced 38-year-old Koneru Humpy, a former World No. 2 and a legend of the sport.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.