Divya Deshmukh springs another surprise to be in semis

By Admin

22 Jul, 2025

In a tournament filled with intense rivalries and global attention, young Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh has made a powerful statement. By defeating the seasoned Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli 2-0 in the rapid tiebreaks, Divya has booked her place in the semifinals of the FIDE World Women’s Chess Cup, marking yet another significant milestone in her budding career.

Outplaying Experience with Precision

After two quiet and uneventful classical games, all eyes were on the rapid tiebreaks where Harika, with her vast experience and prior semifinal appearances in similar formats, was expected to take the edge. However, Divya had other plans. She entered the tiebreaks with calm confidence and employed the Italian Opening in the first game, a strategic choice that paid dividends. Harika, while attempting to stir complications and create counterplay, misjudged a critical position and ended up sacrificing her queen for two pieces a trade that left her at a serious disadvantage. Divya converted the advantage with poise, taking a 1-0 lead.

Holding Her Nerve in the Decider

In the return game, Harika was in a must-win situation and tried to push hard. Known for her strength in faster time controls, Harika looked to dominate. But Divya’s composed defensive play thwarted every attempt. Even under pressure, Divya didn’t give away chances, and a clean, picturesque finish secured her second win eliminating Harika and booking her own place in the final four.

A Changing Landscape in Indian Women’s Chess

While Harika has been a semifinalist three times in the older format of the world championship, the new world championship cycle has seen a shift. Now, Koneru Humpy, India’s top-ranked player for over a decade, and Divya Deshmukh, one of India’s brightest young stars, are the two Indian women in the semifinals a powerful sign of the changing dynamics in Indian women’s chess, which has long been overshadowed by the male contingent.

This achievement also guarantees at least one Indian entry in the Women’s Candidates Tournament next year, which will determine the challenger to reigning world champion Ju Wenjun of China.

The Road Ahead

The semifinal lineup is now set:

• Koneru Humpy vs. Lei Tingjie (China) – the tournament’s top seed
  
  

• Divya Deshmukh vs. Tan Zhongyi (China) – former women’s world champion
  
  

For Humpy, this is a long-awaited opportunity to claim a title that has eluded her despite an illustrious career. For Divya, this is a golden chance to etch her name among the elite and prove that a new era of Indian women’s chess has truly begun.

Final Thoughts

Divya Deshmukh’s stunning performance against a top-tier opponent like Harika Dronavalli not only highlights her maturity and skill under pressure but also signifies the exciting future ahead for Indian women in global chess. With Humpy and Divya both in the semifinals, Indian chess fans can dare to dream big.