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Key Points

Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women's World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy in a thrilling tie-break. The victory also secured her final GM norm, making her India's 88th Grandmaster. Humpy's critical mistake in the endgame turned the tide in Divya's favor. The young champion called the win fate-driven and vowed to achieve more in her chess career.

Key Points: Divya Deshmukh Beats Humpy to Win FIDE Women's World Cup 2025

  • Divya Deshmukh defeats Koneru Humpy 2.5-1.5 in tie-breaks
  • Becomes India's 88th Grandmaster with final norm
  • Humpy's tactical error shifts momentum in final game
  • Joins Humpy, Vaishali, and Harika as Indian female GMs
2 min read

Divya Deshmukh beats Humpy to clinch Women's World Cup 2025

Divya Deshmukh makes history as India's first Women's World Cup winner, defeating Koneru Humpy in tie-breaks and earning her GM title.

"I think it was fate that I get the GM title this way. Before this tournament, I didn’t even have one norm. – Divya Deshmukh"

Batumi, July 28

India's young sensation Divya Deshmukh conquers the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025.

Divya created history as she became the first Indian to win the Women's World Cup 2025, beating Koneru Humpy with a score of 2.5-1.5 in the tie-breaks on Monday in Batumi.

With this win, Divya not only claimed the World Cup crown but also fulfilled her final GM norm, officially becoming India's 88th Grandmaster.

Humpy made a mistake by capturing the f pawn, which changed the tide in Divya's favour towards the final moments of the contest.

The Indian players, who were left tied at 1-1 each after the two classical games in the Final, entered the tie-breaks on Monday to decide the ultimate winner.

Divya became the fourth female Indian grandmaster, following in the footsteps of Humpy, R. Vaishali, and Harika Dronavalli.

Following her win, Divya stated that while she feels there's much more to accomplish, she attributes her Grandmaster title to fate.

"I definitely need to learn endgames. I am pretty sure at some point I messed it up. I need time to process it. I think it was fate that I get the GM title this way. Before this tournament, I didn't even have one norm. It definitely means a lot. There's a lot more to achieve. I'm hoping this is just the start," Divya said as quoted by ESPN.

Divya Deshmukh secures gold, Humpy Koneru pockets silver, while China's sensation Tan Zhongy finished the tournament with a bronze medal.

Earlier, the opening game of the FIDE Women's World Cup final saw two of India's finest talents, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, settle for a hard-fought draw. The scoreboard read 1/2 - 1/2.

The second round of the FIDE Women's World Cup also ended in a draw. Two of India's finest talents, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, settled for a hard-fought draw. The scoreboard read 1/2 - 1/2.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a chess mom myself, this makes me so emotional! Divya's humility in victory is inspiring - acknowledging she needs to improve while celebrating her achievement. More power to our chess queens!
R
Rahul R
While Divya's win is fantastic, I feel bad for Humpy who has been carrying Indian women's chess for so long. Hope she gets her due recognition too. Both are champions in my eyes!
S
Sarah B
The chess revolution in India continues! From Vishy to now Divya - we're producing world beaters across generations. Government should invest more in chess infrastructure at grassroots level.
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Nikhil C
That f pawn capture will be analyzed for years to come! Shows how one small mistake can change everything at elite level. Divya's composure to capitalize was world class.
K
Kavya N
As a Nagpur native, I'm bursting with pride! Divya proves talent exists beyond metros. Hope this inspires more girls from small towns to pursue chess professionally. Jai Maharashtra!

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