How 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh beat ex-women’s world champion from China, Tan Zhongyi, to enter FIDE World Cup final

In a stunning display of grit, skill, and strategic brilliance, 19-year-old Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh scripted a historic victory against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi of China at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup. This landmark win not only booked her a place in the final but also marked her emergence as one of the brightest young talents in the global chess arena.

The Road to the Semifinal Showdown

Divya Deshmukh’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of extraordinary. Coming into the tournament as a young challenger, Divya steadily dismantled some of the world’s best players. Her remarkable victories included a sensational upset over China’s World No. 6 Zhu Jiner and a hard-fought win against her compatriot, experienced Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli. These wins demonstrated her maturity beyond her years and her ability to maintain composure under pressure.

Her semifinal opponent, Tan Zhongyi, was a formidable force and a former Women’s World Chess Champion renowned for her tactical depth and positional understanding. The match was widely anticipated as a clash between the experienced champion and the talented rising star.

The Semifinal Battle: A Test of Nerves and Skill

The semifinal match between Divya and Tan was an epic contest that tested both players’ endurance, technique, and mental strength. The decisive game lasted nearly five hours, spanning over 100 moves—a testament to the intensity and closely fought nature of the battle.

Playing White, Divya started strongly, securing an early initiative and pushing for control in the middlegame. She demonstrated precise calculation and positional awareness, gradually building pressure against Tan’s defenses. However, as the game transitioned into a rook endgame, Divya faced a critical moment where she faltered slightly, allowing Tan Zhongyi to gain the upper hand and seize a material advantage.

But this was not the end for the young Indian talent. Showing remarkable resilience and fighting spirit, Divya capitalized on Tan’s subsequent inaccuracies. Tan, perhaps feeling the weight of the occasion, made a few critical mistakes in the tense endgame phase, enabling Divya to recover lost ground.

In a dramatic turn of events, Divya skillfully converted an extra pawn advantage, outmaneuvering Tan to claim a hard-earned victory. The win was not only a display of technical mastery but also a reflection of Divya’s mental toughness to bounce back from a challenging position against a former world champion.

Breaking New Ground: Historic Achievements

Divya Deshmukh’s victory is historic on multiple fronts. At just 19 years old, she became the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup, joining the ranks of elite players vying for the world title. This achievement also secured her qualification for the prestigious 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, a stepping stone towards challenging for the Women’s World Chess Championship.

Additionally, the semifinal win earned Divya her first Grandmaster (GM) norm, a significant milestone that places her on the path to becoming a full-fledged Grandmaster—a title held by only a select few in the chess world.

What Sets Divya Apart?

Divya’s playing style is a unique blend of aggressive creativity and disciplined strategy. Unlike many young talents who rely solely on tactical fireworks, Divya combines deep positional understanding with sharp calculation, allowing her to navigate complex positions with confidence.

Her rise has been characterized by rapid improvement, fueled by rigorous training, a hunger to learn, and a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. Coaches and peers have praised her ability to stay focused, maintain psychological balance, and adapt her strategies based on the opponent’s weaknesses.

The Broader Impact on Indian Chess

Divya’s success reflects the growing strength of Indian women’s chess on the world stage. Over the past decade, India has produced several top women players, including former World No. 1 Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, who have inspired a new generation of players.

Divya’s breakthrough at the World Cup serves as a beacon of inspiration for young chess enthusiasts across India, especially girls aspiring to make their mark in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her achievement has garnered widespread attention in Indian media, highlighting her as a rising star capable of elevating Indian chess to new heights.

What’s Next for Divya Deshmukh?

With the World Cup final on the horizon, Divya faces an exciting but challenging road ahead. She will face the winner of the other semifinal, which features India’s Koneru Humpy and China’s Lei Tingjie, both established Grandmasters with a wealth of experience.

Regardless of the final outcome, Divya’s journey so far has already cemented her status as a top contender on the global chess circuit. The experience gained from battling world-class opponents and handling the pressures of elite competition will undoubtedly contribute to her growth as a player.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

Divya Deshmukh’s victory over Tan Zhongyi is not just a win in a chess game; it is a defining moment in her career and a milestone for Indian chess. Her blend of youthful energy, technical skill, and unwavering determination has set the stage for an exciting future.

As she advances to the World Cup final and eyes further achievements, the chess world will be watching closely. Divya has proven that age is no barrier to excellence and that with talent and tenacity, even the tallest of mountains can be climbed.

For fans of chess and followers of Indian sports, Divya Deshmukh’s story is a testament to what hard work, courage, and passion can achieve—an inspiration that transcends the 64 squares of the chessboard.