Nineteen-year-old Divya Deshmukh scripted a historic triumph in Batumi on Monday, defeating veteran compatriot Koneru Humpy in a thrilling tiebreak to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, and, in doing so, became the fourth Indian woman to earn the Grandmaster title.
The final between the teenager from Nagpur and the seasoned two-time rapid world champion ended with honours even in the two classical games. It was only during the rapid tiebreaks that Deshmukh edged ahead, holding her own with the white pieces and prevailing as black to secure a 2.5–1.5 victory.
Deshmukh’s remarkable journey to the title came without a single Grandmaster norm prior to the tournament, a feat almost unheard of at this level. “I need time to process it (win). I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way because before this (tournament) I didn’t even have one (GM) norm, and now I am the Grandmaster,” she said, tearfully, after the win.
She joins a distinguished trio of Indian women Grandmasters, Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali, and becomes the 88th overall Indian GM, as the country continues its ascent in the world chess order.
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This milestone win also secures Deshmukh a place in the Candidates Tournament next year, which will determine who earns the right to challenge China’s Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship crown.
Deshmukh’s meteoric rise has added to India’s recent golden run in the sport, alongside the stellar performances of D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi on the men’s circuit.
The final saw a tactical battle between youth and experience. Humpy, 37, known for her calm positional play, tested the youngster’s mettle till the very end. But Deshmukh held her nerve, producing solid defensive play in the second rapid game to turn the match decisively in her favour.
