Nineteen-year-old Divya Deshmukh has etched her name in chess history by clinching the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. In a dramatic all-Indian final held in Baku, she defeated the experienced Koneru Humpy with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the rapid tie-breaks. The classical games over the weekend showcased intense competition, with both players displaying exceptional preparation and composure. In the opening game, Divya, playing with white, established a dominant position, although Humpy fought back. The second game was more evenly matched, with Divya recovering from a challenging situation to secure a draw. The tie-breaks, however, proved to be Divya’s moment, with Humpy making crucial mistakes under time pressure. Despite entering the match as an underdog against Humpy, a two-time World Rapid Champion and world No. 5 in classical chess, Divya remained composed and emerged victorious. This victory marks a remarkable rise for the Nagpur native, who previously won the World Junior Championship in 2024 and contributed to India’s success at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she also secured an individual gold medal. This World Cup win not only solidifies Divya’s place in history but also earns her India’s 88th Grandmaster title, making her the fourth Indian woman to hold the title.
