India sensation Divya Deshmukh in emotional turmoil after FIDE Women's World Cup quarter-final win
Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh experienced a whirlwind of emotions as she stormed into the FIDE Women's World Cup semifinals with a brilliant 2-0 tie-break victory over compatriot Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli.
After sealing the win, the 19-year-old prodigy covered her face with her hands, taking a moment to steady herself even as her opponent left the playing area – a clear sign of the immense pressure and excitement of the occasion.
Divya's triumph sets up a thrilling semifinal clash against China's Tan Zhongyi, a former world champion.
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Her composed yet aggressive play in the tie-breaks showcased her growing maturity on the international stage, marking one of the biggest victories of her young career.
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The all-Indian quarterfinal clash between Divya and Harika had been a tense affair. Both players had drawn their classical games, forcing the battle into tie-breakers where Divya's sharp calculations and fearless approach earned her a straight-set victory.
With this result, India will now have two players in the semifinals, as Grandmaster Koneru Humpy also advanced.
Earlier, Humpy secured her spot in the last four by drawing her second game against China's Yuxin Song, having already won the first.
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Humpy, who displayed an exceptional counterattacking style, has now guaranteed at least a fourth-place finish.
She will have two opportunities to secure a top-three finish and book her place in the next Women's Candidates Tournament.
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On the other hand, R Vaishali's campaign came to an end after a hard-fought loss to Tan Zhongyi.
Despite holding promising positions, a few inaccuracies allowed Tan to take control. Alongside Tan, top seed Lei Tingjie of China also progressed by defeating Georgia's Nana Dzagnidze.
With Divya and Humpy in the semifinals, Indian chess is enjoying a historic moment, and all eyes will be on Divya as she takes on Tan Zhongyi for a spot in the final.
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