Koneru Humpy vs Divya Deshmukh, Women's Chess World Cup Final 2025 Live: Humpy holds the edge with white pieces in Game 2 against Divya
This clash of generations, between the 38-year-old world No. 6 Humpy and the energetic 19-year-old world No. 18 Divya, delivered a roller-coaster of tactics and near-misses.
Playing white, Divya opened with the Queen's Gambit, which Humpy accepted, leading to a dynamic Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation.
The game followed a sharp line once played by Ivanchuk and Bareev in 1992, and Divya appeared well-prepared.
Early on, she built strong pressure, but a crucial error on move 14, sacrificing her bishop instead of activating her queen, cost her a significant positional advantage. Experts later remarked that this might have been a missed mating sequence.
Humpy, struggling in the early middle game, regrouped with her 16th move, stabilising the position. Despite being slightly under time pressure, both players entered a tense, heavy-piece endgame. On move 29, Humpy could have claimed a draw, but chose to play on, testing Divya's nerves.
Divya eventually won Humpy's rook on move 37, but Humpy held firm, and the game concluded with perpetual checks on move 41, resulting in a hard-fought draw.
This thrilling opener, though ultimately even, revealed much about the finalists.
Divya showed aggressive preparation and tactical bravery, while Humpy demonstrated resilience and deep positional understanding. As the next classical game looms, with Humpy holding the white pieces, the balance may shift in favour of the seasoned Grandmaster.
Still, Divya's fearless performance proves she is more than capable of springing a surprise.
Post-match, Humpy admitted to misplaying the opening but praised the complexity of the game, while chess veteran Pravin Thipsay pointed out Divya's missed chance for victory. As the battle for the crown intensifies, this final promises a spectacular conclusion.
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