Divya Deshmukh in tears after becoming first Indian to reach FIDE Women's World Cup final
India's rising chess sensation IM Divya Deshmukh created history by defeating former world champion GM Tan Zhongyi to secure a place in the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian woman to do so and earning her first GM norm in the process.
The 19-year-old, playing with the white pieces on the day, displayed remarkable composure and tactical precision to outclass her higher-ranked Chinese opponent, becoming the youngest Indian woman to reach the title clash of this prestigious tournament.
World no. 18 Divya, who had drawn her first semifinal game with black pieces, capitalised on the advantage of playing with white in the second game.
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She built steady pressure through the middle game and forced inaccuracies from Tan Zhongyi, eventually converting her position with clinical precision.
This victory marks a milestone moment in Indian women's chess, with Divya continuing her meteoric rise on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy faces a tense tie-break after being held to a draw by China's Lei Tingjie in their second semifinal clash.
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Despite having the white pieces, Humpy was unable to break Lei's stubborn defence. The two will now battle it out in rapid and blitz tie-break games on Thursday to decide who will claim the second spot in the final.
With two Indians in the semifinal stage, the tournament has already underlined Asia's dominance in women's chess. At least one Indian will now feature in the next Women's Candidates Tournament, as three qualification spots are up for grabs from this event.
Divya's journey to the final is particularly inspiring, as she has outplayed seasoned names with fearless and attacking chess. Her triumph over Tan Zhongyi, a player renowned for her resilience, signals the arrival of a new star in the women's circuit.
All eyes will now be on Humpy's tie-break, as Indian fans dream of an all-Indian final in this $691,250 event.
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