FIDE Women’s World Cup: Divya Deshmukh joins Koneru Humpy in semifinals as India bids to challenge Chinese stranglehold

By | July 22, 2025
Divya Deshmukh competing at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025

New Delhi, July 22, 2025 — Indian chess is celebrating a remarkable moment as two of its top female players, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, have advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. This dual success not only highlights the rising depth of Indian women’s chess but also serves as a symbolic challenge to China’s longstanding dominance in the sport.

This is the first time two Indian women have reached the semifinal stage of the FIDE World Cup, setting the stage for a potential all-Indian final and reshaping the global narrative in women’s chess.

Divya Deshmukh’s Fairy-Tale Run

19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, hailing from Nagpur, has been the biggest surprise package of the tournament. Ranked 15th in the seedings and with an Elo rating of 2463, Divya has stunned higher-rated opponents with maturity, composure, and strategic brilliance far beyond her years.

In the quarterfinals, she faced fellow Indian Dronavalli Harika, a seasoned Grandmaster and former World Championship finalist. The classical games were closely contested, both ending in draws. However, Divya’s real magic unfolded in the rapid tiebreakers, where she won 2–0, showcasing nerves of steel and clinical execution.

After her victory, an emotional Divya fought back tears as she acknowledged the magnitude of her achievement. “This means the world to me,” she said. “I’ve dreamt of moments like this, but living it is overwhelming.”

Her journey to the semifinals included a sensational upset against China’s World No. 6 Zhu Jiner, whom she defeated in the tiebreaks during the round of 16. The win marked a pivotal moment, as it not only catapulted her into the limelight but also proved that Chinese supremacy in women’s chess could be seriously challenged.

Koneru Humpy: The Veteran Leads by Example

While Divya represents the youthful force, Koneru Humpy stands as the towering figure of consistency and excellence in Indian women’s chess. A former World Rapid Champion and long-time top contender on the global stage, Humpy has quietly marched into the semifinals with calm authority.

In her quarterfinal match, Humpy defeated China’s Song Yuxin with a score of 1½–½, securing her place in the final four without needing tiebreaks. Her experience and positional understanding shone through, especially in the second classical game, where she played a near-flawless endgame to seal the victory.

With this performance, Humpy has become the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals twice in the tournament’s history, underlining her unmatched legacy.

Breaking the Chinese Stronghold

For over a decade, Chinese women have ruled the top echelons of global chess. Names like Ju Wenjun, Hou Yifan, and Tan Zhongyi have dominated world championship titles and set the tone for excellence in the women’s game. But this World Cup has revealed a shift in momentum.

India, with four players reaching the quarterfinals—Humpy, Divya, Harika, and Vaishali—has emerged as the new powerhouse. Though Harika and Vaishali were eliminated, both put up strong fights. The fact that Humpy and Divya will now face two Chinese opponents in the semifinals—Lei Tingjie and Tan Zhongyi respectively—adds a dramatic layer to the tournament’s final rounds.

Should both Indian players advance, it would guarantee the country’s first-ever all-Indian final at this level.

What’s at Stake

Beyond the prestigious title, the FIDE Women’s World Cup serves as a qualifier for the Women’s Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the Women’s World Chess Championship. The top three finishers in this World Cup earn direct spots.

This means that India is now guaranteed at least one spot in the Candidates. If both Humpy and Divya reach the final, India would secure two slots, marking a major breakthrough on the world stage.

The Semifinal Line-Up

Here are the semifinal match-ups:

  • Divya Deshmukh (India) vs Tan Zhongyi (China)
    A battle of generations, with Divya’s fearless approach clashing against Tan’s vast experience and tactical depth.
  • Koneru Humpy (India) vs Lei Tingjie (China)
    A high-stakes contest between two of the most seasoned and strategic minds in women’s chess.

Both Chinese players are former world champions or candidates finalists, but with the form and belief the Indians carry, they are no longer underdogs.

A Defining Moment for Indian Women’s Chess

This double semifinal appearance is not just a sporting success but also a milestone for gender parity in Indian sports. Indian women, especially in chess, are no longer in the shadows of their male counterparts. With Viswanathan Anand, R Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh D leading the charge on the men’s side, the emergence of Humpy, Divya, and Vaishali cements India’s balanced rise.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has lauded the players for their performance and confirmed additional support in training and travel for upcoming global events. Fans across India, especially from Nagpur and Andhra Pradesh, are rallying behind their stars.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not India wins the title, the 2025 Women’s World Cup has already marked a turning point. Divya Deshmukh’s breakthrough and Koneru Humpy’s enduring brilliance have made one thing clear: the future of women’s chess is not just Chinese—it’s Indian too.

As the semifinals begin, eyes across the globe will be fixed on the chessboards where two Indian queens prepare to conquer.