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Chess World Cup: Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh play out a draw in Game 1 of the final

Chess World Cup: Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh play out a draw in Game 1 of the final

India Today26-07-2025
India's Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh played out a closely fought draw in the opening game of the FIDE Women's World Cup final in Batumi on Saturday, leaving the all-Indian contest finely poised heading into Sunday's second classical encounter. Teenager Divya, playing with the white pieces, gained an early advantage from the Queen's Gambit Accepted. Humpy later admitted to misjudging the opening phase, allowing her younger opponent to seize the initiative.advertisement"It was quite a complex game," Humpy said after the match. "I misplayed in the opening and she got a big advantage. I knew I was out of danger after h5 [on move 16]." Divya's sharp preparation appeared to catch the veteran off guard, with the position strongly favouring White after move 11. However, by the 14th move, Humpy had steered the game back to equilibrium, drawing on her vast experience to blunt Divya's early momentum.What followed was a three-hour battle of strategy and precision. Divya, showing plenty of intent, continued to look for active chances but found herself under increasing time pressure. With less than five minutes remaining on her clock by move 25, the 19-year-old was forced into a time scramble.
Humpy attempted to force a draw by repetition on move 29, but Divya declined and opted for a different line - a bold decision given the situation on the clock. The risk momentarily appeared to pay off, particularly when Humpy pushed her pawn to d5 on move 34 - a slight inaccuracy. However, Divya was unable to capitalise, and by move 41, with the same position repeated three times, the players agreed to a draw.The result ensures that the final remains delicately balanced. Humpy, who has looked in commanding form with the white pieces throughout the tournament, will have that advantage in Game 2, scheduled for Sunday. The third-place match between Chinese Grandmasters Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie also ended in a draw.The second game of the final will begin at 4:45 PM IST (1:15 PM local time) on Sunday, 27 July. If the scores remain level, tie-breaks will be held on Monday to determine the winner of the 2025 Women's World Cup.- EndsMust Watch
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