Nineteen-year-old International Master Divya Deshmukh delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup so far, defeating Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli in a dramatic quarterfinal tiebreak showdown. With a flawless 2–0 victory in the rapid games, Divya advanced to the semifinals where she will face former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi.
Reflecting on her win, Divya said, “When I initially went into the tournament, I knew that I didn’t want to play any tiebreaks—but that is not my fate!” Her ability to handle pressure and seize initiative in rapid time controls has drawn admiration across the chess world.
Semifinal Matchups Set
The four semifinalists are now confirmed, featuring two Indian and two Chinese contenders:
- Lei Tingjie vs Koneru Humpy
- Tan Zhongyi vs Divya Deshmukh
Both Lei and Humpy won their quarterfinals without requiring tiebreaks. Lei defeated Nana Dzagnidze 2–0, while Humpy earned a strong classical win over IM Song Yuxin. The matchups promise intense battles as India and China face off for a spot in the final—and a ticket to the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
India’s Historic Run in the Quarterfinals
This year’s tournament marked a milestone for Indian women’s chess. All four Indian players—Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Divya Deshmukh—reached the quarterfinals, each winning their Round 4 matches through tiebreaks. This historic achievement drew high praise from chess officials, analysts, and fans, who see it as a sign of India’s rising dominance in global women’s chess.
Highlights from Previous Rounds
- In Round 4, each of the four Indian players won their tiebreak matches, including blitz and rapid formats, showing depth and adaptability under pressure.
- Divya’s earlier match against GM Zhu Jiner was another standout, where she converted a complicated rook endgame in the rapid tiebreak to secure a place in the quarterfinal.
What’s at Stake
The semifinals aren’t just about reaching the final. A place in the top three guarantees qualification to the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament—a critical step toward the Women’s World Chess Championship. With both Indian and Chinese players in top form, the outcome of these semifinals could shape the future landscape of women’s competitive chess.
Key Matches to Watch
- Divya Deshmukh vs Tan Zhongyi: Youth versus experience. Divya, the breakout star, takes on Tan, a seasoned former world champion.
- Lei Tingjie vs Koneru Humpy: A matchup of giants. Both are established stars with high FIDE ratings and previous World Cup pedigree.
Upcoming Schedule
- The semifinals will begin on July 22 at 4:30 p.m. IST.
- Each match will consist of two classical games, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreaks if needed.
- The tournament is being held in Batumi, Georgia, under the official banner of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.
Final Thoughts
Divya Deshmukh’s emphatic win over Harika Dronavalli has not only sealed her place among the best but also added fresh excitement to the tournament. With India placing two players in the final four and the stakes higher than ever, the semifinals promise to be a thrilling chapter in this year’s FIDE Women’s World Cup. As India and China face off in both matches, the chess world watches eagerly.
Photo Credit: FIDE.com
