FIDE Women's World Cup: Harika, Divya, Humpy, Vaishali through to quarters
Last Updated:
Batumi (Georgia) Jul 18 (PTI) Grandmasters Koneru Humpy, D Harika R Vaishali and International Master Divya Deshmukh stormed into the quarterfinals of the FIDE World Women's Chess Cup, scripting history as India became the first country to field four players in the tournament's last-eight stage.
All four women won their tiebreaks to advance to the last eight stage.
Humpy gave a glimpse of her old self looking assured and calm as she overcame Alexandra Kosteniuk, who is now representing Switzerland after switching from Russia.
Humpy won in the first round itself which was a testament to her superiority over other rivals. She defeated Kosteniuk won with a 1.5-0.5 margin.
Divya continued to punch above her weight, stunning second seed China's Jiner Zhu 1.5-0.5. She won the first game with black and held a draw in the return leg with white, showcasing composure beyond her years.
That left Harika on the toes as she lost the first game as black against another Russian Kateryna Lagno. But she struck back as white to reach the second tiebreaker.
The Indian then drew the first game as black and pounced on her chances with white to move to the quarterfinals.
With all four Indian women into the quarterfinals it has now become a race between India and China as to who would annex the Cup and make to the top three that guarantees a place in to the women's Candidates.
It may be recalled that the lone Georgian Nana Dzagnidze is also into the quarters with some exceptional play thus far. PTI COR APA APA
view comments
First Published:
July 18, 2025, 23:15 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
30 minutes ago
- First Post
'Not having Rohit, Virat, Ashwin hit me': KL Rahul on the significance of The Oval Test heroics
KL Rahul, who emerged as one of the standout batters for India in the series against England, came out to express the importance of the Oval's heroics in Indian cricket. read more Team India delivered a clutch performance on Day 5 of the Oval Test to secure a 6-run victory. With the win, India drew level with England, and ended the pulsating campaign in England with a justified scoreline of 2-2. Mohammed Siraj emerged as a live wire for The pacer did not miss his mark and sought wickets from the word go. He troubled the England batters from the outset and reaped success by relentlessly putting them in a spot of bother. Prasidh Krishna also laid out a helping hand by snaring one dismissal. All this resulted in India's dramatic win. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD KL Rahul expresses the joy of winning a Test match Following the culmination of the match, KL Rahul, who has had an outstanding series with the bat, notching over 500 runs in five tests, expressed his thoughts on India's incredible win at The Oval. Rahul sees the victory at one of the greatest ever in the thick history of Team India. He also stated that, while winning the tournaments has a different feel all together, the joy of conquering a Test leaves a distinguished vibe. 'Win means absolutely everything. I've played cricket for years. Won Champions Trophy, seen the team lift the world cup. Nothing compares to that. But so many questions about whether Test cricket stays or not, but both answered that question here with the way we've played. We weren't given a chance but we've fought in every game and get 2-2, might be a draw, but for Indian Test cricket, this will rank right at the top and this is where change begins. Indian Test team will win a lot many things and more series. Not having, Rohit, Virat, Ashwin hit me two weeks in.' Since the series transpired in the wake of a massive transition in Indian cricket, Gill showered praise on Shubman Gill, who led the team from the front, and expressed optimism about him turning into a 'good captain'. 'Everyone was coming to me to ask about English conditions. Then it hit me I've stepped into a different role now. Gill's been phenomenal, led from the front. He's formed connections, he's done that. Tactically good, changes have gotten us wickets. He'll go on to become a good Test captain.'
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Suniel Shetty can't keep calm, Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor celebrate India's victory over England at The Oval
The nation is celebrating as Team India pulled off a stunning victory at The Oval on Monday, defeating England in the thrilling fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Social media is abuzz with fans praising the team's performance. Joining the chorus of celebration, several Bollywood stars also took to their platforms to cheer for Team India. Suniel Shetty, Kareena Kapoor and other Bollywood stars express joy over India's victory. Bollywood stars cheer for team India Suniel Shetty was present at the stadium to support Team India along with his son and actor Ahaan Shetty. The father-son duo couldn't stop cheering and clapping after India's victory. Sharing pictures on Instagram, he wrote, '2 incredible days at The Oval! What a game and what a win! Come on India, always my India!' He also shared a video of himself and Ahaan cheering for the team. Suniel was heard saying, 'One of the most iconic cricket games.' Ahaan added, 'What a game.' Athiya Shetty also shared a photo of Team India celebrating their victory on the field and wrote, 'Unreal!' Anil Kapoor also took to X (formerly Twitter), and sharing a video of India's iconic win, he expressed his joy, writing, 'What a fight. What a finish. 💪Team India 🇮🇳 doesn't play safe — they play like legends!' Kareena Kapoor took to Instagram and, appreciating Mohammed Siraj's performance in the match, wrote, 'Jai Hind.' For the unversed, Siraj completed the fifth five-wicket haul of his Test career to help India level the series 2–2. Kareena Kapoor cheers for team India. Arjun Kapoor also penned a note for Siraj on Instagram, which read, '@mohammedsirajofficial Miyaan kya baat hai!!! Dil khol ke celebrate ki jiye aap… Catch jo hokar na hua uske bawajood to come and bowl like this on Day 5 to draw the series!!! Amongst the many well-deserved winners of the Player of the Match and Series, mere liye aap ho for the spirit you showed!!! Desh ke liye ladke jeete ho aap aaj!!! Jai Hind 🇮🇳 @indiancricketteam.' Arjun Kapoor's post for Mohammed Siraj and team India. India's victory over England Team India, led by Shubman Gill, defeated England by 6 runs to level the series 2-2. Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj starred with a five-wicket haul, including three crucial scalps on the final day, to power the team to a thrilling victory. Chasing a target of 374, England were bowled out for 367 in a dramatic finish at The Oval.
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli pumped after India's epic Oval win, reserves special mention for India star, gets quick and classy response
When India's Test squad for the series against England was announced sans Virat Kohli, an emptiness descended upon many hearts. It was the first time in 11 years that an Indian Test team in England would not feature Kohli. Just 12 days prior, Kohli had announced his retirement from Test cricket, and not having him, especially after Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, too, were gone, only increased the workload on young Shubman Gill and his Indian team. Virat Kohli is all of us right now(AFP) Almost 45 days later, his fans may still miss Kohli, but takers of the Indian cricket team don't, as without him, Gill's young brigade has managed to successfully level the first-ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 when no one gave them a chance. Under Kohli, India had taken a 2-1 lead the last time they toured England for a Test series in 2021, but since the final match had to be moved from Manchester to Edgbaston the next year, by when Virat had given up Test captaincy, England won in Birmingham to level the series 2-2. So, technically, Gill becomes the first Indian captain since Rahul Dravid to lead India through an entire Test series in England and not lose it. His appearances on social media may have significantly reduced, but even Kohli couldn't stop himself from hailing India's epic win against England at the Oval. Chasing 374 to win, England were in complete control of the innings at 301, with Harry Brook and Joe Root well set, but from there, India sparked a bowling comeback – one that will be remembered for the ages – with Mohammed Siraj leading the charge with a five-wicket haul, his second of the series. Siraj, who made his India debut under Kohli back in 2017, was at the receiving end of some sweet praise from India's most successful Test captain. "Great win by Team India. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh have given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj, who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him," Kohli posted on X. Kohli's take on Siraj's effort echoes that of every Indian cricket fan and player. The only Indian pacer to have played all five Tests, Siraj has proven himself to be an absolute workhorse. While India has meticulously managed Jasprit Bumrah's workload, the only two Test matches India won in his absence were those where Mohammed Siraj delivered standout five-wicket hauls. Not only did Siraj emerge as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 22 scalps, he also bowled the maximum overs, featuring 185 and three balls. Siraj was quick to respond to Kohli's post, replying: "Thank you bhaiya for 'Believe'ing in me."
