FIDE Women's World Cup 2025: Indians in action in quarterfinals; match-ups, pairings, colours, tournament tree
Divya knocked out the second seed, China's Zhu Jiner, while Humpy beat the former World Champion, Russian-Swiss GM Alexandra Kosteniuk. Harika prevailed over Kateryna Lagno, whereas Vaishali won a thriller tie against Meruert Kamalidenova as all Indians made it through the last eight after winning their respective tiebreaks in the fourth round.
This is only the first time that multiple Indians have advanced to the quarterfinals in the tournament's history. Previously, only Harika had reached this stage in 2023. Now, in the event's third edition, India holds an unprecedented 50% representation in the last eight and with Divya and Harika drawn in the same bracket, an all-Indian clash guarantees at least one semifinalist for the first time.
Apart from four Indians, there are three Chinese and one local favourite, Nana Dzagnidz,e left in the fray for the title. Humpy will be pitted against Giant Slayer, China's IM Yuxin Song. Vaishali will take on reigning World Championship challenger Tan Zhongyi, while Lei Tingjie will face Dzagnidze.
Divya, Vaishali, Humpy and Dzagnidze will play their first match with dark pieces.
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