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In a gripping all-Indian clash at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 quarterfinals, 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh stunned veteran Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli to book her spot in the semifinals of the prestigious event. The win marks a historic milestone in Indian chess, as Divya becomes only the second Indian woman ever, after GM Koneru Humpy, to reach the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.
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With nerves of steel and tactical precision well beyond her years, Divya demonstrated why she is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the chess world. After the classical games ended in a deadlock, it was in the rapid tie-breaks that the Nagpur-born prodigy found her rhythm, capitalizing on Harika’s minor inaccuracies and eventually sealing the match 3-1.
Clash of Generations: Deshmukh vs Dronavalli
The quarterfinal encounter between Divya Deshmukh and Harika Dronavalli was billed as a duel of generations—and it lived up to the billing in every sense. Harika, a seasoned campaigner with multiple World Cup semifinal appearances to her name, began the classical games with careful composure. Divya, unfazed by Harika’s credentials, played solidly to force two draws, setting the stage for rapid tie-breaks.
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In the first tie-break game, a tightly fought endgame turned in Divya’s favor when Harika miscalculated a bishop exchange. The youngster needed no second invitation, converting the advantage with clinical precision. In the second rapid game, Harika was under pressure to level the score and went for an aggressive approach. She created chances but missed a winning continuation—a mistake Divya punished mercilessly, thereby wrapping up the match 3-1.
The result was a passing-of-the-torch moment in Indian women’s chess—a clear sign that the next generation has truly arrived.
Semifinal Line-Up Set: India vs China Showdowns
The semifinal bracket now features two players from India—Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy—and two from China—Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie. The stage is set for two high-stakes India vs China encounters, with the prospect of an all-Indian or all-Chinese final very much on the cards.
The semifinal bracket now features two players from India—Divya-Deshmukh-and-Koneru-Humpy-and-two-from-China-Tan-Zhongyi-and-Lei-Tingjie
Divya faces a towering challenge next in the form of GM Tan Zhongyi, a former Women’s World Champion and an immensely experienced campaigner. Tan advanced to the semifinals after defeating India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu with a 1.5-0.5 scoreline. Her positional understanding and dynamic play make her one of the toughest opponents in the draw.
Meanwhile, GM Koneru Humpy, India’s top-ranked woman player, continues her steady march. She secured her place in the semifinals with a composed 1.5-0.5 win over China’s Song Yuxin. Humpy will now lock horns with Lei Tingjie, who dismantled Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia in the quarterfinals with a flawless 2-0 result.
The final four of the 2025 Women’s World Cup is symbolic of the rising power centers in the women’s chess world—India and China—nations that are not just producing world-class talents but also reshaping the global landscape of the game.
Divya Deshmukh: A Star in the Making
While the result itself is remarkable, it is the story behind Divya Deshmukh’s rise that makes it even more compelling. A multiple-time national champion and winner of various age-group international events, Divya has long been touted as a future Grandmaster. However, her run in the 2025 Women’s World Cup is her breakout moment on the senior world stage.
Her composure under pressure, ability to recover from suboptimal positions, and sharp endgame play have all been hallmarks of her campaign. After early wins in the tournament against seasoned opponents, she has now added a major scalp in Harika Dronavalli—cementing her status as the flagbearer of India’s chess future.
What sets Divya apart is her fearless brand of chess. Against Harika, she didn’t play for draws or wait for mistakes; she created complications, kept the tension alive, and seized opportunities when they came. Her playing style reflects a generation that is bold, aggressive, and technically sound.
India’s Women’s Chess on the Rise
Divya’s success, along with Koneru Humpy’s consistency and the continued rise of Vaishali Rameshbabu, reflects the rich depth India now possesses in women’s chess. For decades, Humpy and Harika held the fort, regularly representing India on the global stage. Now, a second wave is emerging—stronger, younger, and perhaps even more fearless.
In 2024, India crossed the 75 active Women International Masters (WIMs) and over 20 Women Grandmasters (WGMs), numbers that reflect a booming grassroots infrastructure. Chess academies in Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Nagpur are teeming with talented girls, inspired by the achievements of their predecessors.
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Divya Deshmukh’s run at the ’s Women’s World Cup has the potential to further galvanize this movement. If she can get past Tan Zhongyi, it would not only place her in the final of the World Cup but also guarantee her a spot in the Candidates Tournament—the gateway to challenging for the Women’s World Championship.
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The Candidates Race: What’s at Stake
This year’s Women’s World Cup is not just about the trophy. The top three finishers of the tournament earn qualification to the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, a closed event that determines the challenger for the World Championship crown.
With two Indians in the semifinals, the chances of at least one securing a Candidates berth are now certain. If both Divya and Humpy win their respective semifinals, it could be an all-Indian final—an unprecedented feat in Indian chess history.
Even if Divya loses in the semifinals, she will have one more shot in the third-place playoff, where the winner clinches the final Candidates slot. This means that as the tournament heads into its concluding phase, Divya still holds her fate in her own hands.
What Lies Ahead
As Divya Deshmukh prepares for her biggest challenge yet in GM Tan Zhongyi, the spotlight will be firmly on the young Indian star. A win would mark a monumental achievement—possibly the biggest of her career so far. But even in defeat, she has already inspired a nation of young players, showing that age and experience aren’t prerequisites for success at the top level.
The semifinals, scheduled to begin on July 23, 2025, will draw global attention, with live broadcasts, grandmaster commentary, and a global fanbase tuning in. For Indian chess enthusiasts, it’s a dream scenario—two national heroes carrying the hopes of millions.
Whether Divya goes all the way or not, one thing is now beyond doubt: Indian women’s chess has arrived on the world stage, and Divya Deshmukh is leading the charge into a promising new era.
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