Game 1 of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals saw India’s Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy hold their ground with well-fought draws against higher-seeded opponents. The round, held in Batumi, keeps both semifinal matchups wide open as Game 2 approaches.
Divya Deshmukh vs Tan Zhongyi: Steady with Black
Facing the former world champion Tan Zhongyi, Divya Deshmukh had the black pieces and opted for a controlled and pragmatic approach. The game featured early central tension and a quick exchange of queens, with neither side taking undue risks.
After an early 12…Qa5+ 13.b4 line, Divya remained composed. Her calm demeanor and positional understanding neutralized Tan’s slight space advantage, and the game concluded in a safe draw. While a win with Black would have been historic, this result keeps her in strong contention heading into Game 2.
Koneru Humpy vs Lei Tingjie: Missed Edge in a Tense Endgame
On the top board, veteran Koneru Humpy faced China’s Lei Tingjie in a dynamic clash. Humpy adopted the Berlin Defense, offering a pawn in the opening. Lei declined the sacrifice, playing solidly instead of pressing for material advantage.
Mid-game, a sequence including 17…Nde5 allowed Lei to initiate 18.f4, putting pressure on the Indian side. However, Humpy demonstrated her renowned defensive prowess and gradually stabilized the position. While Lei had a slight edge, she failed to convert it into a winning advantage.
Humpy later described the game as “tough” but under control, noting that once she equalized the pawn structure, her position was never in serious danger.
What the Draws Mean for India
Both Indian players achieved draws in Game 1, with Divya doing so with the Black pieces—a strategic success. The performance reinforces India’s strong presence in this year’s Women’s World Cup.
The drawn results mean that both semifinal matchups are still up for grabs. A win in Game 2 will guarantee a spot in the final, while another draw will push the ties into rapid and blitz tiebreaks, where nerves and time management will play a decisive role.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
Game 2 will take place on Wednesday, July 23, and is expected to begin at 4:30 PM IST. With both matches hanging in the balance, psychological pressure will be at its peak. Key questions heading into the round include:
- Will Divya press for a win with White against the higher-rated Tan?
- Can Humpy use her deep opening preparation to unsettle Lei in a must-win situation?
- Will either player push for early imbalances or rely on their endgame strength?
If no decisive result is reached, the format moves into faster time controls, where both Indian players have shown strength in the past but will face intense pressure from their experienced Chinese opponents.
Final Thoughts
Game 1 of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals reflected composure, calculation, and high-level defensive skills by both Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The Indian players demonstrated they belong at this elite stage and now have the opportunity to push for a spot in the final.
The stage is set for a thrilling Game 2, where every decision—from opening preparation to time usage—could determine who advances and who falls short.
Photo Credit: Chess.com
